Pandemic and alcohol are fuelling disease of isolation
In this time of uncertainty, some things (unfortunately) remain certain.
On April 14, 2016, a public health emergency was declared in B.C., due to the number of overdose deaths that had been recorded in the previous months. Since then, more than 5,000 people have lost their lives to overdoses in the province.
It is clear that B.C. is experiencing two public health emergencies at once: COVID-19 and overdose. COVID-19 necessarily has people sheltering in place, social distancing, wearing protective masks and gloves for personal safety. This impacts the amount of resources readily available at any given time.
It also adds to the already worrisome tendency of the addict population to hide out from life in general.
In many cases, what a drug user really suffers from is the disease of isolation. I fear that in this day of COVID-19, far too many will have a glimpse into this grim world, where the challenge of coping is too often beyond one’s own grasp. This is typically when a person will reach for something outside of themselves to help them feel better.
Liquor stores have been open throughout the pandemic (apparently, they are considered an “essential service,” go figure) and have recorded a 40-per-cent increase in sales. Addiction to alcohol is expected to rise exponentially as a result. Inevitably, some people will cross that invisible line into alcoholism while “just trying to take the edge off.” As I heard one person put it: “This will result in a ‘tsunami’ of people needing help.”
It takes a lot of courage to admit to that one might have a problem. It is harder still to reach out for help when necessary. Rest assured though, that when such a time comes, help is available. Remember: You are never alone. It only feels that way.
That is the disease of isolation.