COVID-19 and Addiction: Heavy Toll on USA
COVID-19 is having a heavy toll on society in the United States with addictions rising at alarming levels.
As Movendi International reported previously, the addiction epidemic in the U.S. is colliding with the COVID-19 pandemic and is exacerbating health harms for Americans.
New statistics find that addictions, unhealthy habits and coping mechanisms as well as violence are growing in the country as people are obliged to stay at home due to the pandemic.
- Alcohol sales were up 55% in the week ending March 21, according to Nielsen. Liquor sales were up 75%, followed by wine up 66% and beer up 42%.
- Online alcohol sales were up 243%.
- Cannabis sales are growing in states where the substance is legalized.
- People are also eating more unhealthy food.
- People are exercising less. According to data from 68,000 fitness trackers, Americans are moving less and sleeping more under quarantine, per CNBC.
- There is a rise in watching television and binge watching TV shows.
- Gaming has increased. Twitch, Mixer, Caffeine and Discord, all new-age livestream gaming platforms, posted their best revenue-generating month in March, according to data from Apptopia.
- Certain evidence shows that domestic violence is increasing.
- Firearms sales have increased as well. March 2020 was the second-busiest month ever for gun sales, per the New York Times, and Axios reports that the FBI processed 3.7 million gun background checks in March, more than any previous month.
The statistics clearly show that being confined to homes is taking a toll on the physical, mental and emotional health of Americans. However, lock down measures are necessary to control the spread of the virus.
Big Alcohol is adapting to the changing environment and making this crisis an opportunity to increase alcohol deliveries, lobby for deregulation of alcohol control and conduct corporate social responsibility (CSR) projects to generate good PR.
The federal government needs to urgently find methods to support American citizens better through this public health crisis and create awareness on healthy ways to cope during the pandemic.
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For support through these challenging times
Movendi International’s Physical Distancing Coping Kit
Four concrete measures to cope (and thrive) in times of quarantine, self-isolation and physical distancing.
Support to stay sober, reduce or quit alcohol use during the pandemic
Connection is a key aspect of sobriety and recovery. With physical distancing many organizations have adapted to online platforms to connect those in recovery. Following article has a list of resources.
