Don’t Reach for Alcohol During Isolation, Reach-out for an Alcohol Counselor
As we enter into another week of the COVID-19 epidemic, many people make reference to “having a drink” during this highly stressful time. For many, indulging in an alcoholic beverage is not a problem, but for some, it can be the beginning of a vicious cycle or a relapse in their recovery. In recognition of Alcohol Awareness Month, we want to share some information that may help you to identify if alcohol use is a problem for you. You can use this information as a way to help self-monitor your use and seek alcohol counseling if needed.
The Risks of Alcohol Use
A common misconception is that alcohol is a safe drug because it is legal. Alcohol is actually just as dangerous as many other drugs and in some cases more dangerous. Every year an estimated 88,000 people die in accidents where alcohol is involved. This makes alcohol the third leading cause of preventable deaths in the United States.
Poisoning, Driving, and Medication as it Relates to Alcohol Misuse
Two major ways that alcohol use can lead to death are drinking while driving and alcohol poisoning. However, one cause of death that is often overlooked is drinking alcohol while taking certain medications. So, be sure to look into the interactions between alcohol and any medications you are taking.
Alcohol is a chemical in the body, this means it can and will affect the way some medicines metabolize or work within your body. Some medications are highly dangerous to mix with alcohol and lead to severe illness, or death. People who die from an alcohol-related accidental overdose are usually also found to be taking a medication that significantly increases the effects of prescription medication – sending them into respiratory arrest. Please, keep this in mind if you should decide to indulge in consuming alcoholic beverages. If you plan on having a drink, please do so responsibly. If you feel you need help with managing your alcohol intake, contact an alcohol counselor.
Questions you can ask yourself if you think you might have a problem with alcohol use:
Is your personality different when you drink?
Do you drink to gain courage to face social situations?
Has your drinking ever caused you to miss work or other appointments?
Do you use alcohol to escape problems when you are upset?
Is it hard for you to stop drinking after you have one or two drinks?
Do you always end up drunk, once you start drinking?
Have you tried and failed to drink less alcohol or to drink none at all?
Do you sometimes have trouble remembering what you did while under the influence of alcohol?
Do you regret doing some of the things you’ve done under the influence?
Have friends or family members tried to express their concern about your drinking?
Has your work suffered because of your drinking?
Have you needed a drink in the morning to get going after a night of heavy drinking?
If you answered yes to any of these questions and would like to talk to one of our alcohol counselors for an evaluation, guidance, and/or support, please feel free to call (402) 488-6511 for an appointment. Our alcohol counselors at Stepping Stones in Lincoln, NE specialize in treating substance use disorders and will help you work through your alcohol use patterns and concerns.
We are also offering assistance in coping with anxiety during this time. Please feel free to reach out as we are available in the office and via Telehealth.
Call (402) 488-6511 to schedule an appointment with our licensed Alcohol Therapists at Stepping Stones in Lincoln, Nebraska.