The COVID-19 pandemic sparked a surge in people abusing alcohol and other substances. Women, especially, have been drinking more, while deaths caused by drug overdoses jumped nearly 30% between December 2019 and December 2020.
Anxiety, stress and boredom related to pandemic have been cited in surveys as reasons for over-imbibing. “People who are drinking to suppress unpleasant emotions are heading into dangerous territories,” said Derk Replogle, director of addiction services at NewBridge Services.
Heavy drinking has serious health ramifications, raising risks for liver disease, heart disease, certain cancers, and accidents. Alcohol is the third-leading cause of preventable deaths in the U.S., claiming 95,000 lives, according to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism.
Drinking also suppresses the immune system, which can make drinkers more susceptible to contracting COVID-19 and experiencing more severe symptoms, Replogle said.
Recovery from Addiction
The good news is that people can recover from addiction. NewBridge Services provides outpatient treatment, with clients attending one-on-one and/or group sessions two to three hours a week. NewBridge uses evidence-based practices to help clients alter harmful behaviors and prevent relapse. Individuals can continue working and living at home. Medication and support groups may be part of outpatient treatment.
The pandemic put David's sobriety at risk. He’d become sober after more than 20 years of abusing alcohol and opioids, but then struggled with anxiety, depression and anger when the coronavirus began to spread. In July 2020, David began counseling sessions by phone, and later attended in person, learning strategies to help him cope.
“NewBridge has helped me become more confident, to rely on myself and not drugs and alcohol to get through daily life situations,” the West Milford resident said.
Cutting Back on Drinking
While some people can cut back or give up alcohol on their own, Replogle, a licensed alcohol and drug counselor, offers these tips for cutting back:
- Plan how much you will drink in a week, and track how much you consume
- Don’t keep alcohol in your home
- Designate several days a week as alcohol-free.
- Pursue other interests, such as a hobby or learning a new language
If you’re struggling, get help. To schedule an evaluation with NewBridge, call (973) 316-9333 or send an email to services@newbridge.org.
