Alcohol Awareness and COVID-19

By Diane Lee, Public Information Officer, Garrett County Health Department

April is Alcohol Awareness Month, and with the current COVID-19 pandemic, alcohol sales are skyrocketing. With the increase in layoffs, stay at home orders, and anxiety it’s unclear if the increase in alcohol sales is due to alcohol being used to cope with the current situation, or simply to replenish supplies.

Regardless of the circumstance, using alcohol as a “pain-reliever” is not a good choice and can create more complications with an individual’s health and further burden our health care systems. Excessive alcohol use can create a weakened immune system.

“Excessive alcohol can make it harder for your body to resist disease, increasing your risk of various illnesses, especially pneumonia,” according to the Mayo Clinic.

Safer and healthier coping tools could include: spending time together as a family, exercising, completing projects you finally have time to do, preparing healthy meals, or learning a new skill or hobby. To share your favorite way of spending time without alcohol, leave a comment on the kNOwDRINKING.net Facebook page. For April only, four comments will be randomly selected on April 30^th and awarded one of four gift cards for either pizza or iTunes.

It is also important to recognize the stigma that continues to surround alcoholism and reaching out for treatment.  Alcoholism is an illness, and there is no shame in seeking help. There are many resources available.

• National Helpline at 1-844-289-0879
• Alcoholics Anonymous at 1-212-870-3400
• National Association for Children of Alcoholics 1-888-554-2627
• Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) at 1-800-662-4357 (HELP).

For local alcohol resources or information, contact the following programs at the Garrett County Health Department:

• Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drug Program – 301-334-7730
• Substance Use Disorder Program – 301-334-7670

During this time of a pandemic and state of national emergency, commit to alcohol moderation.