The Stress Of COVID-19 Is Shifting Our Habits. How Has Your Drug And Alcohol Use Changed?

The COVID-19 pandemic has put additional strain on all of us. For people who already struggle with a substance addiction, the stress and anxiety of quarantine can increase the chances of relapse.

Over the next 10 years, scientists predict California’s rates of overdose and suicide deaths will increase by nearly 50% as a result of COVID-19 and the subsequent recession. Doctors and advocates say these deaths are preventable, if people can find the help they need.

At CapRadio, we’re highlighting the wide range of mental health struggles Californians and Nevadans are experiencing during the COVID-19 pandemic, and what strategies they’re using to stay afloat. In an upcoming story, we’ll focus on drug and alcohol use and how to identify and work through addiction.

Whether you’re attending virtual recovery meetings, looking for support or simply reassessing your relationship with drugs or alcohol during this time, we’d like to hear from you.

If you are concerned about someone else in your life whose drug or alcohol habits have changed, we’d like to hear from you, too.

To participate, fill out the form below by June 8. Tell us a little about your current situation, and the driving factors behind your changing habits. We won’t publish anything without your permission, and we will follow up with you about options for remaining anonymous, if needed. 

Thanks for sharing your experiences with us. They will help us better understand what people are experiencing, and how we can help.