Substance Use Rising During Pandemic

We are several months into the pandemic, and there is no end in sight—yet. Substance-related overdoses and alcohol intoxication incidents have been on the rise, nationally and locally, throughout 2020.  

A recent RAND Corporation survey highlighted a dramatic increase in alcohol consumption since the start of the COVID-19 shutdown. There were 30 overdose incidents on a single day, May 21, in the Capital Region, and Saratoga Hospital’s Emergency Department has seen an unusually high number of opiate-related cases this year. 

In such an environment, there may be someone you know who is struggling to get through the day. If you are concerned about someone who may be abusing drugs or alcohol: 

• Take time to educate yourself about addiction. 
• Don’t judge or lecture. Listen, encourage them to seek help, but know they must make the call.
• Be realistic in your expectations. This is a lifelong disease.
• Seek support. It may be helpful to get counseling for yourself. 
• Learn CPR and, when possible, get NARCAN training. 

Being prepared is the best thing you can do to protect your family, friends, neighbors, and co-workers. NARCAN® Nasal Spray is a prescription medicine used for the treatment of a known or suspected opioid overdose emergency with signs of breathing problems and severe sleepiness or not being able to respond. If you are interested in attending a future NARCAN® training, please email Saratoga Hospital Community Wellness Programs at communityed@saratogahospital.org.

I want to acknowledge the courage and resolve of everyone in recovery from alcohol and substance abuse. These are people who have already overcome much adversity, and many are facing the current pandemic challenges from a place of strength. 

But it’s the isolation that has taken a toll. Recovery is not something to take on alone, which is why we emphasize virtual support groups and mentoring. Our Addiction Medicine program has had a tremendously positive response from patients using its telehealth services, and the good news is that MANY OF OUR current Addiction Medicine patients are doing well, showing great resiliency in the face of the pandemic.

With our COVID-19 protocols that keep patients safe, we continue to deliver the high-quality treatment and support that builds that needed sense of connection, including stress-relieving alternatives to substance use that work specifically for you. We also offer several non-controlled anxiety medications as well.

If you are struggling with addiction and would like to get help, please call the Addiction Medicine team at 518-886-5600. Our program provides high-quality care without judgement, in an environment where you can receive comprehensive, personalized, and respectful treatment, including medication management and counseling. 

We all know these are difficult times, and we don’t know when it will end. The cumulative stress of it all is more than we have ever experienced. But you are not alone. There is a great deal of strength and comfort to be had from the bonding and sharing experience of group support. 

To learn more about our programs, please visit SaratogaCommunityHealthCenter.org. For additional resources, please visit SaratogaHospital.org. As always, in case of emergency, call 9-1-1.
Addiction Medicine Program at Saratoga Community Health Center: 518-886-5600