DENVER, Colorado — A Colorado-based addiction treatment facility said it had more calls in March than any month in over a year and that admissions to its centers are up about 50%.
“I do think there’s an element of introspection that happens when you are alone," said admissions and outreach manager Drew Powers. "And you’re not necessarily stuck in the hustle and bustle of your daily routines."
Data from Nielsen, a marketing research firm, shows retail alcohol sales were up 22% in March from a year before. Online alcohol sales skyrocketed 243%. Of course, many Americans stocked up as stay-home orders loomed. But, Powers says it can become a crutch during tough times.
“This is a high-risk time for people," he said. "Anxiety is up. There are a lot of unknowns out there. Alcohol is certainly something that can provide temporary relief from that. And I think we'll see folks leaning on that at this time.”
If you find your stockpile is running out a bit fast, Powers said to “peel back your drinking” and pay attention to how you feel.
“But if you start experiencing negative consequences, maybe you have trouble sleeping or getting to sleep or you have a high level of anxiety all of a sudden, you may want to look at that and explore that,” said Powers.
Bottom line, alcohol is a depressant. It can also have a negative effect on your immune system which certainly won’t help you stay healthy in a pandemic. So pay attention, set limits, stick to them and ask for help if needed.
For more information about addiction and available services, click here.
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