2020 is Almost Over – Start 2021 Sober with Alcohol Rehab AZ
2020 will go down in history as one of the strangest, most stressful years we have experienced. With the stress of a global pandemic and a volatile political climate, it’s no wonder more, and more people have turned to alcohol to cope. Between government-mandated shutdowns, the worst economic crisis since the Great Depression, 1 and more people out of work than ever before, alcohol really may feel like the only thing we have left to help us get through the day. Luckily, 2020 is coming to an end, and with the new year, we can start 2021 sober with the help of alcohol rehab AZ.
How The COVID19 Pandemic Contributed to Increased Alcohol Consumption
During the COVID-19 pandemic, we have all had to change how we work, socialize, and even buy groceries. With government-mandated shutdowns forcing us to stay home, we’ve been more anxious and lonely than ever before, causing many people to turn to alcohol to cope. 2
Being isolated this way is especially dangerous for those who have struggled with addiction in the past. Loneliness, uncertainty, and anxiety are all common triggers for relapse. In our culture, drinking to quiet anxiety or other negative emotions has been normalized. This can lead a lot of people down the road of addiction. Let’s review some signs and symptoms you may be misusing alcohol and how we can put 2020 behind us and start 2021 off on the right foot.
Signs of Alcohol Abuse (Alcohol Use Disorder)
Understanding the signs and symptoms of alcohol abuse can help you determine if you need to seek help for your alcohol consumption. It is often difficult to realize that you have a drinking problem because our culture so readily accepts alcohol misuse and abuse as normal and completely acceptable. In reality, we rely on it to avoid negative emotions, calm our anxiety, and quiet intrusive thoughts. Below is a list of signs of alcohol misuse and abuse. 3
- Inability to control how much or how often you drink
- Spending a large amount of time drinking, getting alcohol, and recovering from drinking
- Intense cravings and urges that you can’t resist
- Continuing to drink regardless of issues it’s causing in your relationships or at work
- Developing a tolerance, so you need more to feel the same effects
- Experiencing withdrawal symptoms if you suddenly quit drinking or reduce how much you drink too quickly
If any of these sound like you, then you may be suffering from alcohol abuse disorder. Fortunately, you have options. 2021 can be the year you decide to make a change and finally kick your habit once and for all.
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Tips for Dealing with Pandemic Stress in a Healthy Way
If you have picked up alcohol as your primary way to deal with the pandemic stress, you’re certainly not alone. But you may have realized by now that it is not a healthy way to cope. Instead, here are a few things you can do to combat pandemic drinking and start living a healthier lifestyle.
Exercise
Taking up an exercise routine is a great way to spend some time and relieve stress. Now, more than ever, there are tons of free and affordable resources for working out at home. If those types of workouts aren’t for you, you can always go for a run or a hike.
Spend More Time Outside
Hiking, exploring your city, or even having a picnic in the park are all great ways to socially distance. They can keep your mind off of alcohol and relieve a lot of the stress you may be experiencing. In fact, studies show that spending time outside helps to increase life satisfaction, happiness and even promotes mindfulness. 4
Get Help From Alcohol Rehab AZ and Start 2021 Sober!
If you are struggling with alcohol abuse disorder, the best option may be to seek treatment. Through alcohol rehab, you can detox safely and comfortably and then dive into a rehabilitative program to help you learn healthy coping strategies.
If you are ready to put 2020 behind you and start fresh in 2021, contact Desert Cove Recovery today. It may be difficult to imagine being able to cope with something as stressful as a global pandemic without alcohol. Still, at Desert Cove Recovery, we will give you the tools you need to get through any situation completely sober. Contact us to get started living a sober life that you love.
Sources:
[1] https://www.worldbank.org/en/news/press-release/2020/06/08/covid-19-to-plunge-global-economy-into-worst-recession-since-world-war-ii [2] https://www.cnn.com/2020/09/29/health/americans-drinking-more-pandemic-wellness-trnd/index.html [3] https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/alcohol-use-disorder/symptoms-causes/syc-20369243 [4] https://www.stress.org/how-being-outdoors-and-getting-active-impacts-stress-management
