Clients seeking help with alcoholism surge during pandemic
An alarming surge in alcohol dependency in the state follows months of social distancing, closed businesses and lost jobs.
Posted — UpdatedSouthlight Healthcare, with eight treatment centers in the Triangle area, reports a 20% rise in the number of people seeking help over the last several months.
Jennifer Whitfield, SouthLight’s director for adult community services, says their programs help clients with all sorts of substance abuse issues. Alcoholism is among the most common and for obvious reasons. "It’s legal. The stores are accessible. They’re not closed," said Whitfield.
Whitfield says a sense of shame is too often a barrier for people in seeking help. "Having a problem with alcohol is not something to be ashamed of. I’m personally in recovery, 15 years. We have a lot of staff who are," said Whitfield.
She says the pandemic has increased economic uncertainty along with feelings of isolation. She says many turn to alcohol as a remedy for their worries.
Whitfield says it’s a false remedy. "Alcohol is thought to be helpful in reducing anxiety. It actually can increase it," she said.
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