There’s no denying that 2020 was a year like no other. It saw changes in how we do many everyday things and made many of us stressed. We all know that people deal with stress differently. The stress the COVID-19 pandemic caused has led people to turn to alcohol more frequently than at normal times. It’s important to acknowledge this trend and look at how Costa Mesa alcohol rehab can help those who may be drinking more than they should.
An Increase in Alcohol Use
Statistics show changes in American alcohol consumption when the pandemic hit in March 2020. Specifically, Nielsen reports that alcohol sales in stores were up 54% in late March compared to the previous year’s sales. [1] Also, online sales were up 500% by late April when many states were in lockdown and people were quarantined inside their homes.
It’s also important to look at statistics showing that 16% of adults said they drank more during the pandemic when surveyed in April 2020. [2] One in four millennials said they were drinking more, while nearly one in 5 Gen Xers said they had increased their alcohol intake. [2]
Many people may not realize they were drinking more or that what they were consuming was considered heavy drinking. Your weight and gender play a role in what is considered heavy drinking. In general, “moderate” alcohol use equals one to two drinks daily for men and one drink for women. [1]
Binge drinking or heavy drinking is defined as four or more drinks for women and five or more drinks for men within two hours. [1] If you realize that you need a drink to get through the day or need to increase your alcohol intake to feel the effects, it may be time to consider getting help.
The Effects of Heavy Drinking
While people may look to drinking to relieve stress and provide them with a quick buzz, they may not realize the effects of heavy drinking on their bodies.
Excessive drinking can increase your risk for several serious medical conditions. This includes liver disease, breast cancer, heart attack, and stroke. [1]
When people drink too much, they can also get depressed as they come down from the buzz their alcohol use created. This can cause mental health issues that were never present before the drinking began or ones that were there but never addressed.
Drinking too much can also lead to poor sleeping patterns and impact brain functions such as memory and balance. People who become dependent on alcohol can also have compromised immune systems. This makes it harder for the body to fight off infectious diseases, including COVID-19. [1] The more you drink, the more at risk you put your body.
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Getting Help at Costa Mesa Alcohol Rehab
Deciding that you need help to combat your drinking problem is nothing to be ashamed of. Realizing you need help is the responsible route to take when you know you can’t stop on your own.
At Clear Life Recovery, we offer our patients programs tailored to their needs. Since all addictions are different, all treatment plans need to be different at well. All of our patients get the detox help they need to rid their bodies of the alcohol that has taken over. They get the help they need to deal with any withdrawal symptoms that may occur.
As patients progress through their recovery, they attend therapy sessions to discuss their problems and what may have led them to drink heavily. For some, there are underlying or mental health issues that need to be addressed. The therapy techniques used will depend on the needs of the patient.
Finally, all patients learn how to function without alcohol and find new interests that don’t involve alcohol. This is important to live a sober life and stay on track.
For more information on how Clear Life Recovery can help you or a loved one get past their alcohol addiction, contact us online.
Sources:
[1] https://www.heart.org/en/news/2020/07/01/covid-19-pandemic-brings-new-concerns-about-excessive-drinking
[2] https://morningconsult.com/2020/04/06/coronavirus-social-distancing-millennials-eating-drinking/
