Stress of COVID-19 Can Lead to Increased Alcohol and Substance Use
As COVID-19 continues to spread, so does the concern of many Canadians, causing them to lean on substances like alcohol and cannabis for support.
According to a study conducted by Nanos for the Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction, Canadians, particularly under the age of 54, are self-reporting an increase in alcohol and cannabis use.
The purpose of the study was to determine if COVID-19 measures were affecting the amount of substances Canadians were consuming. The results were clear:
25% of Canadians (aged 35–54) have increased the amount of alcohol they drink while spending additional time at home.
21% of Canadians (aged 18–34) report their alcohol consumption has increased.
Only 10% of adults older than 54 say they have been drinking more alcohol since they began practicing social distancing and self-isolation.
14% of Canadians (aged 18 to 34) have increased the amount of cannabis they consume.
The same poll states, Canadians who have reported consuming more alcohol during the current pandemic most often credit a lack a regular schedule, boredom, and stress as the main factors.
Those who report consuming more cannabis, most often credit the same reasons.
“It is not uncommon for individuals to use substances as “self-medication”. When feeling stressed, isolated, bored, depressed, or anxious, some individuals lack the necessary coping strategies to manage their thoughts and feelings,” says Dr. Melissa Snider-Adler, Chief Medical Review Officer of DriverCheck and Addiction Medicine Physician. “They may then turn to alcohol, cannabis, or other substances to try and “treat” their symptoms. However, these same substances may create more symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress creating a vicious cycle of use”.
The stress and anxiety associated with the threat of sickness, job losses, disruptions to routines, and more, brought on by a pandemic, may prompt relapses among those in recovery.
“For individuals with a substance use disorder, a pandemic is a set-up for increased substance use. This is due to the increase in stress, isolation, boredom (especially with a lack of work), all of which are triggers for use for many individuals,” warns Dr. Snider-Adler.
“Additionally, to compound this, during this pandemic, there has been a lack of access to the usual supports that many individuals use as coping strategies such as face-to-face therapy, groups, meetings, supports, etc. Individuals with a substance use disorder need to recognize the increase in the potential risk of use and reach out to available supports.”
What are the potential risks of using during this time? Dr. Snider-Adler believes although the use of legal substances may not increase an individual’s chance of acquiring COVID-19, “there may be an increased risk associated with the need to purchase legal substances continually”. She explains, “if you are drinking or smoking regularly, you may make more frequent trips to the liquor store, potentially increasing your exposure to the virus.”
“Illicit substance use however has different risks” warns Dr. Snider Adler. “The preparation and handling of illicit substances are likely not done in a sterile fashion and thereby increase the user’s risk of contracting the virus.”
“Additionally, those who smoke or vaporize cannabis or other substances have changes to the normal hairs that help protect us from foreign objects such as viruses.” According to Dr. Snider-Adler, those who smoke or vape may also have underlying lung conditions, putting them at higher risk if they are exposed to COVID-19.
She recommends anyone looking to stay healthy, sticks to a routine, “having a set time to wake up, eat, exercise, and sleep is of great importance.” Stating things like meditation, yoga, and walks outside are great tools to manage your mind and stay healthy physically and mentally during this time.
Above all, it is important to be aware of how the current state of the world is impacting us individually. “With insight comes the ability to manage what is going on.” It has been over 100 years since the world has seen a pandemic of this magnitude. It is not possible to plan for things we cannot predict. To maintain our mental health during this time “we need to all be aware of the losses we are experiencing and allow ourselves to feel. Giving ourselves permission to feel angry, or sad and to acknowledge what we have lost is of the utmost importance.”
Online Resources:
2. Low Risk Drinking Guidelines in Canada
3. Guidelines regarding the safe use of cannabis
4. CAMH
Dr. Melissa Snider-Adler, M.D., C.C.F.P.(AM), M.R.O. (AAMRO), D,A.B.A.M.
Chief Medical Review Officer, DriverCheck Inc.
Physician, Addiction Medicine
Dr. Snider-Adler is the Chief Medical Review Officer for DriverCheck and is a Board-Certified Addiction Medicine Physician with a Certificate of Added Competence in Addiction Medicine.
Dr. Snider-Adler currently practices addiction medicine in Oshawa, Ontario and is an Assistant Professor at Queen's University Department of Family Medicine. She works as a Peer Assessor for the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario.
Dr. Snider-Adler is considered an expert in the field of substance use in the workplace as well alcohol and drug testing for safety sensitive workplaces. As such, she is often asked to provide expert opinions, reports and testimony for arbitrations, hearings and court cases across Canada.
Dr. Snider-Adler travels across Canada and the U.S. speaking to workplaces and at various conferences regarding the impact of recreational cannabis, cannabis for medical purposes, workplace substance use, and addiction prevention and treatment.