The coronavirus has been the main topic of conversation on TV, social media, and homes over the last few months. Many cases have come to light across the world. The pandemic has affected every human. It has caused panic and widespread uncertainty in recent times.
It’s natural for humans to feel vulnerable at this time. They are afraid of the unknown. They want to discuss our concerns. They are looking to others for redressal support. In these trying, people who are currently having alcohol use disorder are more vulnerable. The pandemic has brought to the notice a unique set of concerns about AUD. An AUD which is a chronic and relapsing disease that is diagnosed based on an individual meeting a particular set of criteria within 12 months.
Since alcohol consumption weakens our immune systems, regardless of the amount of alcohol a person consumes, though, the person with problematic drinking behaviors are amongst the most vulnerable patients in getting COVID-19 infections. Although flattening the curve is the nation’s priority right now, we understand that the unique needs of individuals who are battling alcoholism are equally as urgent and important—maybe during the time of social distancing and home quarantines, it is even more necessary.
How COVID-19 Affects Alcoholics
A person with problematic alcoholic behaviors may face the threat of COVID-19. The loneliness that has been brought on by the need for social distancing and instructed to remain in our homes. An alcohol-related decrease has been observed in immune system health. The potential for increased susceptibility to specific infections has increased manifolds.
Restricted access to alcohol is going on, which may lead to symptoms of alcohol withdrawal. During this time, it’s essential to acknowledge and understand these challenges that you may face while avoiding the use of alcohol to self-medicate, potentially increasing certain COVID-19 related risks. If you struggle with drinking, home can be the most dangerous place.
Individuals must remain as comfortable and as safe as possible. Medical detox is an essential first step in combating alcoholism. Alcoholism is a chronic and relapsing disease. It can be treated with professional help and ongoing recovery efforts. Addiction can effectively be taken care of with a strong support system and the right sober living home.
Anxiety over the Unknown
It is human nature to worry about the future. When we are facing the unknown, even the bravest among us can have periods filled with fear and doubt. It can lead us to self-medicate in a way we feel works best for us. The ongoing threat of COVID-19 is understandable. Many feel stressed and anxious for their near and dears.
If you’re struggling with alcoholism, you may feel anxiety, which is one of the side effects of the disorder. This mat enhances your feelings of unease during the pandemic time. We are still not fully understanding the potential of this virus, what it can do. As we are receiving contradictory information on TV and the internet, and the fear of losing financial support can is a bit scary. Affording the next, a glass of alcohol is also increasing their anxiety. This situation is making it more problematic patterns for those who use or have to started or continue alcohol.
Alcoholism to tackle fear
Studies are showing that there is a clear relationship between anxiety and AUDs. Both prolonged drinking and alcohol withdrawal are interrelated. They related to each other with an increased fear.
One of the studies has reported that some people have general anxiety disorder self-medicate their condition with alcohol while some others have self-medicated themselves with alcohol as they had panic disorders.
Approximately 13% of people have anxiety. They have resorted to self-medicate themselves with alcohol developed AUD.
Combat your feelings of anxiety. This is helpful to stay away from social media sites by limiting the amount of time you spend watching the news. Being proactive about mental health can help reduce attacks or triggers that keep you in a constant state of anxiety. The threat of COVID-19 is real. Mental health should be the main priority. Get outside of your home and go for a walk or run daily with social distancing. Eat a balanced diet, and make restful sleep a priority.
Isolationism From Your Support System leading to Alcoholism
Efforts have been intensified to flatten the curve. It will also minimize the spread of coronavirus. People have been advised to abide by strategies related to social distancing by staying home and keeping 6 feet away from the nearby person in public, and at this time, congregating in groups no larger than ten people.
The challenge with the recommendation is that if a person is having alcohol abuse or an AUD, he may already be feeling lonely.
Social Withdrawal and Alcoholism
Studies show social withdrawal leads to loneliness and depression. It becomes a factor associated with drug abuse. In such cases, isolating from friends and family is critical to minimize the spread of COVID-19. It may have an adverse effect unknowingly as it takes away the ability to socialize with support mechanisms.
For those struggling with alcoholism, it is necessary to create and maintain healthy social connections. It helps fuel the motivation to stay sober and continue working. There is no guessing; you may feel even more vulnerable and potentially accelerated to get an alcoholic beverage.
Technology has made it easier for us to connect with our loved ones, thankfully. Whenever we need and wherever we are. Use COVID time as an opportunity to speak with friends, family members, therapists, or anyone who may help you get through these troubled times. As we all continue to distance ourselves socially, programs have also begun offering virtual.
Weak Immune System and Alcoholism
The coronavirus family of viruses and human diseases associated with them are known to us. Respiratory infections from the common cold, influenza to severe diseases such as MERS, SARS are associated with it. COVID-19 is a new virus; The symptoms may range from mild to severe which can have the potential for more serious or lethal illness in people over 65+ as well as having pre-existing medical conditions and weakened immune systems.
Currently, around 1 out of every six people who get COVID-19 becomes seriously ill and needs immediate medical attention. Studies have shown an association between excessive alcoholism and a weak immune system, specifically when it comes to a person’s susceptibility to pneumonia.
Because of alcoholism, those diagnosed with AUD may be among a particularly vulnerable population. Even if you want to your drinking under control, research shows that even non-chronic alcohol drinkers can still face adverse health consequences. Acute drinking also compromises the immune system.
Cardiopulmonary System and Alcoholism
Alcoholism leads to various health issues with the cardiopulmonary system, i.e., heart and lungs. Our bodies are required to function at their highest levels to fight off the symptoms of the virus and decrease potential harm of COVID-19. Although you should quit alcohol until a vaccine for the coronavirus arrives, if you’ve developed a physical dependence on it, you may face severe or life-threatening symptoms of alcohol withdrawal.
Individuals must remain as comfortable and as safe as possible. Medical detox is an essential first step in combating alcoholism. Alcoholism is a chronic and relapsing disease. It can be treated with professional help and ongoing recovery efforts. Addiction can effectively be taken care of.
Treatment for alcohol consumption can slow down or stop, or altogether reverse many otherwise progressive, drinking-related health issues.