Covid and Addiction In The Family with Carol the Coach

Today, Carol the Coach will be interviewing Louise A Stanger Ed.D, LCSW,  who is going to help us understand Addiction In The Family- Helping Families Navigate Challenges, Emotions and Recovery. He explains that Covid 19 has seen an unprecedented rise in the use and misuse of alcohol, marijuana, prescription, and nonprescription drugs (opioids and stimulants) etc.  This coupled with the rise of anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues along with gastrointestinal issues has created a perfect storm. Americans’ today report that they have either started or increased their substance use as a way of coping with stressors related to Covid 19. Neilson reported a 54% increase in national alcohol sales in March of 2020 for example as opposed to a year ago and online sales on alcohol increased by 262% from 2019 to today. Marijuana sales and online deliveries have also increased. The World Health Organization has warned that alcohol use will potentially exacerbate health concerns and risk-taking behaviors. Today, the challenges facing American families and the workforce is enormous based on the increasing numbers of folks who are looking for solace in mind altering substances. Not a day goes by where clinicians do not receive a phone call from a mom, dad, husband, wife, partner, child etc worried about a loved one.