Alcohol and the COVID-19 pandemic

Alcohol Awareness Month is a public health initiative originally organized by the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence as a way of increasing awareness regarding the dangers of alcoholism and issues related to alcohol use. The program was started in April 1987 with the intention of targeting college-aged students who might be drinking too much as part of their newfound freedom. It has since become a national movement to draw more attention to the causes and effects of Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) as well as how to help families and communities prevent and respond to drinking problems.

With the stress associated with the Covid-19 crises and the need for social distancing, there are reports of increased alcohol sales and people using alcohol to manage their emotions. This is a cause for concern.

• Alcohol compromises the immune system. (Cassel, 2020). Dr. George Koob, the Director of the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism says that one bout of excessive drinking can have measurable negative effects on the immune system responses (Szabo & Saha, 2015).

• Alcohol compromises the immune system. (Cassel, 2020). Dr. George Koob, the Director of the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism says that one bout of excessive drinking can have measurable negative effects on the immune system responses (Szabo & Saha, 2015).

• Excessive alcohol use has a detrimental impact on the functioning of lungs and can make acute respiratory distress syndrome and other pulmonary conditions worse (Moazed & Calfee, 2014).

• Alcohol use is a contributor to domestic violence against spouses(Leonard & Quigly, 2017) and children (Freisthler & Holmes 2012).

• Households are already experiencing stress during the social distancing and stay-at-home orders and the use of alcohol can exacerbate this stress and make it worse (Lang, 2020).

• Job loss increases stress and contributes to individuals turning to alcohol to ease that pain.

• Excessive alcohol use impairs judgement when it is critical that individuals make sound decisions (Azar & Springer, 2010).

• During this period of social distancing, it is important for parents to monitor their children in terms of alcohol and other drug use. Teens are also experiencing stress, boredom, and other uncomfortable feelings. Many teens are dealing with great losses as they lose loved ones, house-hold comforts and routines, and their own employment, academic, athletic,  and social opportunities such as the possible cancellation of iconic celebrations like graduations and proms that they have looked forward to for many years.

• The earlier teens begin drinking, the more likely they are to develop an alcohol use disorder (NIAAA).

• Teens who have used alcohol and other drugs in the past to “medicate” their feelings may now be looking for creative ways to access these substances in and out of the home. Teens can be very resourceful in locating places to get alcohol and other drugs even during this crises. They may meet up with friends or even a new dealer to access alcohol and other drugs in new and possibly more dangerous ways.

• For some parents, a craving by their teen for alcohol or other drugs may be the first indication for parents have that their teen may be addicted to alcohol, marijuana or other drugs. If this is the situation or you need more information, you can contact.

NYS Office of Addiction Services and Supports at 1-877-8-HOPENY (1- 877-846-7369) 24 hrs. a day, 7 days a week

The Westchester County Department of Community Mental Health In- formation, Support, and Referral Line at 914-995-1900, 8 AM – 8 PM

The Mid Hudson Regional Addiction Resource Center at www.fordrughelp.com