Alcohol-Related Deaths Among Young Adults Outnumbered COVID-19-Related Deaths in 2020
While nearly a million Americans have lost their lives from the COVID-19 virus in the last two years, there are an untold number of other lives destroyed from the collateral damage of the pandemic. Apart from those who fell ill or succumbed to the deadly virus, data show that from 2019 to 2020, alcohol-related deaths rose 25% from one year to the next.
Reports from the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism published in March 2022 showed that increased drinking rates were connected to pandemic-related stress. Particularly, many relied on alcohol as an unhealthy coping mechanism because they found less meaning and purpose in their lives once they suffered from job loss, anxiety, loneliness, or isolation resulting from the lengthy quarantine. This lost sense of identity fueled the fire for those already dependent on alcohol and caused many in recovery to relapse. Not only that, but many who would have benefited from treatment faced barriers because of ongoing social distancing that made treatment either impossible or hard to come by.
Tennessee Wellness Center Offers Hope & Tools to Cope with Pandemic-Related Stress
Those addicted to alcohol often find themselves drinking rather than paying attention to important life responsibilities such as work, school, or family obligations. Those with substance abuse problems often self-isolate and will drink or use drugs in secret, and as a result, more than 2,000 people of them die of alcohol abuse in Tennessee, alone.
The drug and alcohol rehabilitation team at Tennessee Wellness Center seeks to help recovering addicts find a sense of purpose, connection, and support from their community to break free of addiction.
A recent patient Tennessee Wellness Center patient, Richard Corter, spoke to WBIR-TV about his sister’s recent death after she died from her addiction to alcohol. Before he got help, Corter also struggled with his substance abuse problem, including alcohol addiction.
"I never in my life saw myself burying my sister, and it was a week ago today that we held her funeral.” He said. “I graduated [from Tennessee Wellness Center] two weeks ago, and I feel that I have all the tools in my toolbox that I need to conquer this disease."
If you are seeking help for yourself or a loved one, reach out to Tennessee Wellness Center for new hope for a brighter future. Get in touch with our team for effective drug and alcohol treatment solutions by calling (865) 205-2770 today.