Alcohol Addiction COVID-19 Pandemic
Alcohol Addiction: A Hidden Danger of the COVID-19 Pandemic
Those who have never been affected by alcohol addiction or alcoholism may believe that it’s just an occasional recreational activity. In reality, addiction to alcohol impacts nearly 3 million people in the United States alone. And at least 88,000 people die each year from alcohol-related deaths. In the last 10 years alone, alcohol-related deaths have increased by 50%. The COVID-19 pandemic has played a role in this increase as well, but not in the way many people think. The CDC recommends that everyone who is seeking alcohol addiction treatment stay on high alert for symptoms of COVID-19. Whether or not they have been vaccinated against the virus. Take a look at how alcohol addiction has affected those affected by the pandemic. And, how to get treatment now before you become one of them.
Significant Increase in Alcohol Deaths During the Pandemic
A new study from the National Center for Health Statistics “Alcohol-induced Death Rates in the United States, 2019–2020” published in November 2022 shows alcohol addiction deaths have increased dramatically during the COVID-19 pandemic. As compared to previous years. Many of these deaths may be attributed to the fact that many people chose to drink more than usual to cope with the fear and consequences of the pandemic. Alcohol addiction deaths during the COVID-19 pandemic were higher than alcohol addiction deaths during the same time period in previous years. Alcohol treatment during the COVID-19 pandemic is very important and should be included as part of one’s preparedness plans. Dependence can lead to various problems that increase the risk of injury or death. Alcohol addiction treatment is recommended for anyone with an alcohol use disorder. Whether or not there is an active COVID pandemic.
The CDC has recommended that prevention programs start targeting young adults and middle-aged adults specifically. This is because they’re more likely to drink more heavily during the pandemic than any other age group. Treatment programs are reporting having trouble keeping up with demand, as well as with identifying those who need help but haven’t sought it out yet.
There are many factors that increase a person’s risk for alcohol addiction during a pandemic. Alcoholism was known to run in families. This means that those who have close family members who struggle with alcoholism themselves or had struggled with alcohol abuse themselves were more likely to drink heavily during and after a pandemic. Research on genetics found another connection between genetics and high levels of alcohol consumption. The CDC recommends that everyone who is seeking alcohol addiction treatment stay on high alert for symptoms of COVID-19, whether or not they have been vaccinated against the virus.
Alcohol Addiction Complications During COVID-19 Pandemic Are Worse Than Before
The death rate from alcohol use spiked significantly during the pandemic. In just one year, between 2019 and 2020, the rate of alcohol-induced deaths climbed 26%, going from 10.4 per 100,000 people to 13.1 per 100,000. This is according to a National Center for Health Statistics data brief published on November 4, 2022.
Alcoholic liver disease – which includes infections such as Hepatitis and Cirrhosis – was the largest contributor to this trend increase. The spike in alcoholic-related deaths isn’t surprising – after all, there has been no shortage of data suggesting such a result. The liver will heal itself to some degree. However, it can only withstand so much scar tissue before it becomes irreversibly damaged. This means that any further damage could easily lead to cirrhosis and death.
Deaths stemming from mental or behavioral disorders caused by drinking (deaths attributed to dependency syndrome/withdrawal) followed closely behind in second place. From 2019 to 2020, deaths from mental and behavioral disorders due to the use of alcohol increased by 33% compared to previous years. This trend is currently not reversing and death rates continue to increase. This is why it is vital to get evaluated by an addiction psychiatrist to reduce your risk.
There are alarmingly worse consequences for women compared to men. From 2019 to 2020, rates of alcohol-induced deaths for females increased across all age groups for those aged 25 and over. For men, it tended to be elevated in the middle age years. This is in line with previously established data that alcohol addiction tends to have overall worse consequences for women compared to men in all physical and mental areas.
Begin Receiving Alcohol Addiction Help in New York, NY
You don’t have to suffer from the complications of alcohol addiction alone. As a psychiatrist in New York, NY I would be honored to offer support in helping you overcome addiction and cultivate a brighter future. If you are ready to start your therapy journey at my Manhattan-based therapy practice, please follow these simple steps:
- Contact Stephen Gilman, MD
- Learn more about me and my approach to treatment
- Start reducing the harm experienced by alcohol addiction
Other Services Offered with Stephen Gilman, MD – Addiction Psychiatrist in NYC, Manhattan
Alcohol addiction treatment isn’t the only service I offer from my New York, NY-based therapy practice. I understand you may experience more than one mental health concern, which is why I’m happy to provide a variety of services including young adult psychiatry, adult psychiatry, and opioid addiction treatment. I’m also happy to offer prescription drug addiction treatment, cocaine addiction, meth addiction treatment, behavioral addiction treatment, PTSD treatment, drug addiction treatment, and marijuana addiction treatment. Learn more about me or visit my blog for more helpful info.
