The pandemic has contributed to increased substance abuse as a way to cope with the stresses and losses of COVID-19, according to the American Medical Association, Centers for Disease Control, American Psychological Association and recent studies.
, but explained that a host of other addictions are up, as well. “Behavioral addictions such as gambling, online gaming, sexual addiction, overspending and binge eating have also increased dramatically during the pandemic,” Cavaiola said.forms of addictions are thought to have increased, the more affordable and accessible ones have grown, especially.
“You may notice a deterioration in self-care, like grooming, exercise and sleep, increased missing of appointments and commitments, or an inexplicable shortage of funds,” Leve said, adding that another red flag is the person trying to minimize or excuse such behaviors. Foresta warned that family members need to be careful in how they approach someone struggling with addiction as because, if handled poorly, reaching out can make matters worse. “Families don’t cause or create addictions, but they certainly contribute,” he said.
Cavaiola also stressed the importance of expressing"concerns in a loving way. Arguing, berating or demeaning the person usually increases defensiveness. Similarly, enabling the substance use by taking over responsibilities or giving money doesn’t work and will usually only make things worse.” As Foresta put it, “I didn’t want to change until the pain of my problem became worse than the pain of my solution.”People slipping into addiction may struggle to realize what's happening, Leve explained. “Active addiction is very much a disease of self-deception.”
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