Alcohol Interventions During Coronavirus Epidemic
Alcohol Interventions During Coronavirus Epidemic
Alcohol Interventions During Coronavirus Epidemic
The Coronavirus epidemic has affected most people in a variety of ways and even though the country is beginning to open up once again social distancing and the threat of renewed outbreaks of the virus creates uncertainly that affects many people. For those who have problems with alcohol dealing with the uncertainty of this epidemic can pose additional challenges. Through a professional alcohol intervention can help prevent someone from long term damage of alcoholism. These challenges include:
Increased Anxiety
During this uncertain time, most people are feeling anxious for themselves and their loved ones. Between the rising death toll caused by COCID-19, the amount of misinformation that has been given out, loss of income, and even jobs and the other issues surrounding the Coronavirus epidemic it is only natural that those feelings of anxiety may sometimes be overwhelming. For those suffering from problems with alcohol, those feelings of anxiety can be even worse leading to increase drinking. However, drinking can also make those anxious feelings worse, which increases the likelihood of problems with alcohol starting or continuing.
Isolation
With social distancing still in effect and recommended people are missing connection to their support group, whether that group is family or friends. For people who experience problems with alcohol the feelings of loneliness and isolation can leave them feeling even more alone and in need of comfort, which may increase the urge to drink only, adding to the already present substance abuse problems.
Drinking Can Increase the Risk of COVID-19
Those who suffer from alcoholism have a weakened immune system, which can increase their risk of getting COVID-19 and further increase the risk of them suffering from a more severe bout of the virus. This makes it more important than ever that those who want help for their alcohol problem be able to get the help they need.
Problems with Getting Help During the Epidemic
The problem with seeking help during the Coronavirus epidemic is that many people are afraid of entering rehab facilities due to the possible exposure of being with other people. The same holds true of attending out patient therapy or AA meetings.
Many people feel that by seeking help they are exposing themselves to an increase risk of contacting COVID-19 leaving even those who desperately want help reluctant to seek the help that they need.
Interventions and Treatment Options For Alcoholism During The Epidemic
Those who work with patients suffering from problems with alcohol are taking extra measures to offer their patients safe care including conducting free virtual 12 step meetings online and phone counseling in order to provide patients with safe alternatives to rehab and outpatient therapies. These types of programs are likely to continue for some time as the country waits to see if the re-opening of jobs of public places leads to new outbreaks in the virus.
Even during these challenging times, many loved ones still need help with their addiction to alcoholism. An intervention can still be effective in saving your loved one’s life from isolation drinking.
For those who are looking for help to deal with their alcohol problems calling an alcohol intervention center and discussing with them various treatment options that are open to them can help them to find the help they need.