For people recovering from alcohol addiction/substance use disorders, having supports in place during this anxiety-inducing time is crucial. Self-distancing and stay-at-home orders have created barriers to some resources. Online options are available to people in recovery and families living with addiction:
The fear and stress the COVID-19 crisis causes can be a trigger for people to drink excessively. April is National Alcohol Awareness Month, a good time for everyone to take stock of their alcohol consumption.
Consider that men who have more than four drinks on a single day or 14 a week are considered heavy drinkers, as are women who drink more than three drinks in a day or seven a week.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, heavy alcohol consumption in the short-term result in:
Long-term alcohol abuse, according to the CDC, can cause chronic diseases and other serious health problems, such as:
Nearly 90,000 people in the U.S. die each year from alcohol-related causes; it is the nation’s third leading preventable cause of death, according to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism.
Heavy drinking also can erode relationships and career goals. Moderate drinking is two drinks per day for men, and one drink a day for women.
There are small changes you can make to get a handle on your alcohol consumption:
If you cannot control your drinking or are feeling overwhelmed by the COVID-19 situation, NewBridge can help. For more information, contact NewBridge Services at www.newbridge.org or call (973) 316-9333.