DRUG USE: Over half of Pennsylvanians worry about increased drug use in their community due to the economic impact of Coronavirus, according to two recent surveys.
There was no way that Americans could anticipate, let alone be prepared for, the aftermath of the Coronavirus pandemic, particularly the severe financial impact inflicted on many households, corporations and small businesses and mass job loss across the country. By the beginning of June, the number of job losses across the US had surpassed 40 million*. Worryingly, there have been a number of studies** indicating those who are unemployed are more likely to misuse drugs and/or alcohol.
A recent survey by American Addiction Centers reported that 1 in 5 recently unemployed Americans are turning to alcohol.
Rural communities, in particular, have been greatly affected by substance use in addition to rising rates of poverty and unemployment, which are two key community-level risk factors for addiction. The pandemic has the potential to amplify these negative effects, and for those cities that do not have sufficient systems in place to address the substance use and mental health repercussions, things can get much worse.
DrugAbuse.com, provider of drug and alcohol treatment resources and programs, conducted a survey of 3,000 Americans (aged 18+) to ascertain how many are concerned by the secondary impacts of the current economic crisis, particularly, substance use in their community. It was found that over half (51%) of people living across the Pennsylvania, say they are concerned the economic downturn caused by the Coronavirus will result in increased drug and alcohol use in their community.
Additionally, the survey revealed 1 in 4 Americans (25%) say they have noticed their neighbors drinking more alcohol since lockdown began. With social interaction hampered during the pandemic, some people are engaging in habits they would not do under typical circumstances, such as drinking during the day.
“Because people deal with stress, anxiety and worry in many different ways, check on friends and loved ones who have been significantly impacted by the fallout of the pandemic,” said Melitta Basa, clinical director at Greenhouse Treatment Center and spokesperson for DrugAbuse.com.
