Health

Pandemic triggering harmful and risky addictions

Andrew Wyka

(7/2020) As we venture into the unchartered waters of the coronavirus pandemic, many people are struggling and may be looking for a means to relax, escape and seek enjoyment. Some of these activities may include drugs, alcohol, gambling, or any other risky activity that may have an impact on one’s ability to function. These substances and behaviors may lead to dependence and addiction while attempting to cope with the current situation and its multitude of unknowns. Addiction is a progressive, but treatable, disease that is exacerbating in times of stress, anxiety, isolation, and uncertainty. This disease is also aggravated in people with poor coping skills, depression, and certain genetic factors based on family history.

Many people recovering from an addiction are relapsing finding it difficult to cope. ‘Social isolation’ enhances the risk for addiction. A common truism in recovery culture is that ‘addiction is a disease of isolation,’ so it stands to reason that social distancing – in every possible way – is counter to most efforts to engage in a recovery community." (Peter Grinspoon, MD | April 20, 2020 – Harvard Health Blog: A tale of two epidemics: When COVID-19 and opioid addiction collide)

Early on, an individual addicted to drugs or alcohol may be able to function in their job, school or relationships with others. However, the addiction will likely become worse over time and affect the ability to function in a basic manner at work or school, as well as with familial or romantic relationships. However, not everybody that misuses a substance has an addiction. Addiction is rather the long-term inability to moderate or cease intake. The primary symptoms of addiction include uncontrollably seeking drugs or alcohol, engaging in harmful levels of habit-forming behavior, neglecting or losing interest in activities that do not involve the harmful substance or behavior, emerging relationship difficulties, changes in appearance and hygiene, and increased secrecy.

This pandemic has fueled addictions, as everyday life begins to feel intensely mundane or overwhelming. In addition to the concerns of contracting the virus and losing loved ones, there are increased feelings of insecurity, loneliness, isolation, depression, and fear of financial security at the basic level.

Although the recommendation is to practice physical distancing during this pandemic to protect the most vulnerable populations, this does not necessitate limiting emotional distance from friends and loved ones. The stay-at-home orders have certainly cut people off from their typical support systems and usual activities, and the isolation adds to the anxiety even beyond the underlying factors of addiction. However, it is important that people continue to reach out to those they typically feel comfortable discussing issues with or professional support systems by any means possible. This includes phone calls, video messaging, texting, social media, or in-person visits while maintaining appropriate physical distancing.

Those struggling with addiction or addiction tendencies need to feel that not alone and forgotten. They need medications to recover, as well as adequate medical care, food and housing, and the basic needs. If any good has come out of the misery of the combined COVID-19 and opioid epidemics, perhaps it is that a clear, bright light has been shined on the deadly social fissures – poverty, income inequality, lack of health insurance and access to healthcare, homelessness – that are the true social determinants of health we will need to address as part of an effective response to future pandemics." (Peter Grinspoon, MD | Harvard Health Blog)

Here are some actions people can take to help cope:

• Create a healthy routine that includes regular sleep and work hours, nutritional balance, and plenty of exercise.
• Establish and maintain goals – even a small goal to complete in a day.
• Maintain connections with contacts virtually or while remaining physically distanced. Keep in touch with friends and family. Make extra efforts to maintain social bonds during this time of enormous stress and dislocation – physical distancing does not mean social distancing.
• Seek medical treatment, if necessary. Drug and alcohol rehabilitation centers are still open during COVID-19 to provide essential treatment to those who need it. Also, Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous and other the support groups still have virtual meetings.
• Keep a positive attitude and a busy mind. This may include reading recovery-oriented literature, practicing prayer and meditation, engaging in healthy hobbies when possible, journaling thoughts and feelings, and completing arts and crafts projects.
• Volunteer at a charity to assist with pandemic efforts, such as passing out food and water to others needing help.
• Supporters and loved ones can help by establishing an environment of open communication, active listening, and encouragement; but at the same time holding them accountable.

Andrew Wyka is a Senior at West Virginia University in a Multi-Disciplinary Studies Program including Drug Addiction, Sociology and Marketing