COVID-19 Threatens to Explode Drug and Alcohol Abuse in Massachusetts and Surrounding States

COVID-19 Threatens to Explode Drug and Alcohol Abuse in Massachusetts and Surrounding States

While the COVID-19 pandemic dominates much of Massachusetts’ and the region’s news, another health crisis is ballooning just out of focus.

Addictions to alcohol and drugs are skyrocketing in the Bay State and its neighbors – as are overdose deaths.

While 2020 numbers for Massachusetts have yet to be released, the American Medical Association reports that more than 40 states are reporting an increase in drug-related deaths. In neighboring Connecticut, their Department of Public health is showing a 21.4 percent spike in overdoses during the pandemic.

Rhode Island and New Hampshire are seeing similar spikes.

Alcohol abuse may also be on the rise… According to the American Heart Association:

Nielsen reports (U.S.) alcohol sales in stores were up 54% in late March compared to that time last year, while online sales were up nearly 500% in late April. According to a Morning Consult poll of 2,200 U.S. adults conducted in early April, 16% of all adults said they were drinking more during the pandemic, with higher rates among younger adults: One in 4 Millennials and nearly 1 in 5 Gen Xers said they had upped their alcohol intake.

Primary drivers behind these increases in drug and alcohol abuse are job insecurity, isolation, depression, and anxiety.

If you or someone you love is struggling with addictions to drugs and/or alcohol in Massachusetts, Connecticut, New Hampshire, Maine, or Florida, Aware Recovery Care can help.

We offer full addiction treatment (as well as in-home withdrawal support in Connecticut) that can be delivered remotely or in-person by expertly trained staff equipped with advanced infection control gear.

What’s more, each client is assessed regularly by an addiction nurse, and there are regular visits from Aware’s highly skilled addiction treatment specialists.

Our unique model of care is giving clients a significantly better chance of recovery when compared to traditional inpatient rehab care. To learn more or to talk to one of our Recovery Specialists, visit www.awarerecoverycare.com