As the world reels from the 6.13 million lives lost directly to COVID-19, new research reveals the extent that the pandemic’s toll has reached, and it goes well beyond the disease itself. In the pandemic’s first year, from 2019 to 2020, the number of Americans who died from alcohol-related causes increased by 25%, as most forms of normalcy, routine, treatment access, and coping skills were either disrupted or eradicated during this time. 

The pandemic has drastically disrupted work, home, and social life, and among these changes were America’s relationship with alcohol. The 25% increase in alcohol-related deaths was represented among all age groups, starting with age 16, ethnicities, genders, and races, but young adults ages 25 to 44 experienced the most significant increase. In fact, for adults younger than 65 years old, alcohol-related deaths outnumbered COVID-19 deaths, 74,408 to 74,075. Additionally, the study, conducted by researchers with the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), found that the rate of alcohol-related deaths, including deaths from liver disease and accidents, outpaced the increase of death from all causes.

Changes In Alcohol Consumption During The Pandemic

To offset widespread fear, frustration, and social isolation rampant during the pandemic, many turned to alcohol to self-soothe. In the first month of the stay-at-home orders in March of 2020, national alcohol sales rose 54%, and some states even allowed restaurants and similar on-premises retailers to sell carry-out alcohol beverages. As more individuals found themselves stuck at home with amplified stressors, minimal coping strategies, and increased alcohol availability, the frequency of alcohol consumption increased by 14% compared to the previous year, according to a study by the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA). Increased alcohol consumption was a developing trend predating the pandemic, as were mental health struggles, but the conditions of the pandemic made individuals more susceptible to substance abuse. 

However, the pandemic particularly impacted women and parents with young children regarding alcohol consumption. Women have disproportionately taken on the responsibility of child care, home management, and children’s education since the pandemic, so it reasons that women have increased their use of alcohol disproportionately. What may have started as an additional glass of wine with dinner turned into a 41% increase in the number of days women are drinking heavily or consuming 4 or more drinks within a short time. Those without children faced their own struggles as many experienced increased rates of isolation and loneliness, which are factors related to increased alcohol consumption. 

Drug Overdoses Rise Alongside Alcohol-Related Deaths

In conjunction with rising alcohol-related deaths, the number of Opioid overdoses involving alcohol increased by 40.8% in 2020, and there was a 59.2% increase in overdoses involving alcohol and synthetic Opioids like Fentanyl. While rates of Opioid overdoses have been on the incline in recent years, the pandemic only exacerbated these trends due to several factors, including increased isolation, stress, and a lack of treatment and support resources due to lockdown stipulations. 

Additionally, drug overdose deaths reached a record high during the pandemic’s first year, with over 100,000 Americans dying from overdoses within 12 months. This increase, much like the increase in alcohol-related deaths, can be linked to the loss of access to treatment, increased mental health issues, and the availability of potentially lethal substances. The rise in overdose deaths was primarily due to the widespread use of Fentanyl, but stimulants like Methamphetamine, Cocaine, and natural and semi-synthetic Opioids, such as prescription pain medication, also factored into increased rates. 

Loss Of Access To Treatment

Not only were individuals unable to connect with loved ones during quarantine, those who were in recovery from a substance use disorder (SUD) suddenly found themselves without multiple resources as treatment facilities closed temporarily. Those who may have already been struggling with sobriety could not attend in-person support group meetings like Alcoholics Anonymous or receive addiction treatment medicine from clinics. Treatment facilities across the US shut their doors in compliance with COVID-19 safety regulations, and health care providers struggled to tend to the onslaught of coronavirus patients, potentially deterring individuals from pursuing treatment for substance abuse. This rapid severance of treatment left many individuals experiencing a SUD reeling and struggling to find support.

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This disruption of recovery treatment could lead individuals to resort back to old coping mechanisms, including using substances. “Stress is the primary factor in relapse, and there is no question there was a big increase in self-reported stress, and big increases in anxiety and depression,” said Aaron White, the senior scientific adviser at the NIAAA. These increased levels of stress, uncertainty, and anxiety that the pandemic has instilled in people only increases the risk of relapse in those struggling with substance abuse. 

Entering the third March of the pandemic, it is still unclear if alcohol-related deaths will decrease as the pandemic wanes. As COVID-19 restrictions continue to lax, many can physically access treatment centers, attend support group meetings, and connect with loved ones, so researchers are hopeful to see a reduction in alcohol-related deaths. 

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Over the course of the past two weeks, many liquor stores across the United States have been pulling all Russian alcohol from the shelves. Initially, governors of New Hampshire, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Utah ordered all governmentally owned liquor establishments to withdraw Russian brands which prompted many other states (and some independently owned stores) to follow suit.

The removal comes as a response to Russia’s recent invasion and attack on Ukraine; a symbolic act of solidarity for the Ukrainian people if nothing else. Brands like Stoli and Smirnoff have disappeared from the floors of stores, assumed to be of Russian origin and production. Though Smirnoff’s roots can be traced back to Russia in the 19^th century, it has long since been owned by the UK and produced by various distilleries, including some in the States. Stoli is actually Latvia-owned and while the vodka is Russian-styled, the company has actively voiced their support of Ukraine; their website adorned with pop up of the international symbol of peace, the dove, in Ukraine’s national colors. Underneath is a message that reads, “Stoli Group stands for peace in Europe and in solidarity with the Ukrainian people” followed by the two hashtags, “#LiberateUkraine” and “#StandWithUkraine.”

While many vodka brands either originate in Russia or are fashioned after or influenced by the nation, there are only a few spirits actually owned and/or produced by Russian companies. Of the $1.4 billion worth of total vodka imports throughout the United States in 2021, Russian brands accounted for $18.5 million; only 1.2% of the vodka sold in this country is from Russia. The most common Russian-owned vodkas are Russian Standard (also sold as Green Mark), Beluga Noble Russian Vodka, and Zyr Russian Vodka, but as they make up very little of the United States’ vodka sales, the boycott and discontinuation of such products will likely not have much of an impact on the Russian economy.

Substances Aren’t A Solution

As if we weren’t living in a world rife with devastation and hardship already, war and destruction occur without reprieve. It can feel all too easy to fall victim to the allure of numbness that alcohol and other substances so often provide. Now more than ever it is important to resist, to remain steadfast and strong and continue to trudge ahead. If you or someone who love is struggling with substance abuse and/or addiction, there are resources to help you.

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The Monitoring the Future report, sponsored by The National Institute On Drug Abuse at The National Institutes of Health, has revealed changes in the patterns of substance use present in the college student population.

College students are using Marijuana more and drinking alcohol less; 44% of college students said they used Marijuana last year, while 56% reported drinking. This represents a substantial increase in use for the former substance and a notable decrease in use for the latter; for comparison, only 38% of college students said they used Marijuana in 2015 while 62% of the same population admitted to drinking alcohol in 2019.

Binge-drinking among college students, defined in the parameters of the study as having at least 5 drinks in a single occasion within 2 weeks prior to the survey, also fell; the rate dropped from 32% in 2019 to 24% in 2020. Daily or near daily Marijuana use among college students, on the other hand, increased; the rate has seen a “five-year increase of 3.3 percentage points,” according to the study, and now stands at 7.9% in the college student population. The study also added that “as of 2020, almost one-in-ten young adults aged 19-30 is a daily or near daily [Marijuana] user.”

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The proportion of the college student population reporting use of Psychedelic drugs was higher as well, increasing 4 points to 9% in 2020.

The pandemic was given as the cause of the reduced alcohol consumption by the study’s principal investigator, professor John Schulenberg of the University of Michigan. As Schulenberg told The Washington Post, “We clearly see that young people use alcohol as something to be taken at parties and gatherings. With the pandemic, those weren’t happening, so the alcohol intake and binge drinking dropped.”

Marijuana use, by contrast, has been affected very differently by the pandemic; more of the population than just college students have increased their recent intake of the substance.

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The Pandemic And Marijuana Consumption

The New York Times called the pandemic a “breakout moment” for the Marijuana sector, and there’s ample evidence to back up that claim.

Legal sales of Marijuana ballooned in 2020, surpassing a sum of $17.5 billion; this was an increase of 46% from the year prior. This is especially notable given the economic downturn that occurred during the pandemic.

There are a few theories to explain why Marijuana use has increased so significantly. Some postulate that the rise in mental health conditions during the pandemic has resulted in more people using more Marijuana to self-medicate. There are some statistics to back up this idea; one study, published in the Journal of Addictive Diseases, found that Americans who are afflicted with mental health conditions and use Marijuana medically increased their use by an average of 91% since the pandemic began.

Possible Risks: Marijuana And Psychosis

On many levels, the increase in Marijuana use and decrease in alcohol use observed in the college student population could mean fewer risks to college students’ health. Marijuana users don’t tend to form physical dependencies the way alcohol users do, and alcohol causes a host of maladies and ailments, including several types of cancer, that Marijuana use has not been linked to.

There is one notable risk of increased Marijuana use, however. It may correspond with an increased risk for psychosis. A study published in The Lancet Psychiatry found that daily use of Marijuana, particularly the use of Marijuana with a very high level of THC, is associated with increased odds of experiencing a psychotic episode later in life. According to NPR, “The study also shows that three European cities — London, Paris and Amsterdam — where high-potency weed is most commonly available actually have higher rates of new cases of psychosis than the other cities in the study.”

This phenomenon does not necessarily indicate a causal relationship between Marijuana use and psychosis; it may be that those who are already predisposed to psychosis are more likely to self-medicate with Marijuana than those who are not. The psychoactive nature of THC can produce some subjective experiences which may be similar to those of a psychotic episode, however; more research needs to be done on the subject. Those who have a family history or a personal history of psychosis should be extremely cautious in their use of the substance.

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This week American model and television personality Chrissy Teigen expressed that her new commitment to sobriety has made it difficult to cope with a recent traumatic event. In September of 2020, Teigen and her husband, singer John Legend, suffered a pregnancy loss of their third child, Jack. 

After this devastating loss, Teigen took to Instagram, saying, “We are shocked and in the kind of deep pain you can only hear about, the kind of pain we’ve never felt before.” 

Three months later the 35 year-old announced that she had been successfully sober for 4 weeks. Teigen stated that she quit drinking alcohol because she was tired of feeling unwell and embarrassed of her drinking habits.

A post on Teigen’s Instagram this week gave fans more insight on the celebrity’s struggles with sobriety in relation to the loss of her baby. In the caption, under a photo of her and Legend at dinner, she tells a story involving her past unhealthy drinking habits. Teigen labeled herself as “basically a functioning alcoholic.” 

A high functioning alcoholic is defined as a person who seems fine and put together despite struggling with an alcohol use disorder (AUD). Despite outwardly projecting to others that they have a great life, their drinking habits will one day catch up with them. Long-term alcohol use can lead to serious health risks such as liver disease, pancreatitis, cancer, brain damage, and memory loss. 

Teigen’s post went on to address the loss of her child. “I realized I threw myself into the book to not think of the real, actual third baby. I don’t feel like I fully processed Jack and now that I don’t have alcohol to numb it away, things are just … there, waiting to be acknowledged,” said Teigen on her Instagram post. 

Coping With Pregnancy Loss

Teigen’s openness on her experience with loss, trauma, and substance use speaks to common issues that women all over the world deal with. About 10% of pregnancies result in pregnancy loss. This loss is a devastating event that causes emotional and physical impacts. Women going through this tragedy experience the grieving process which includes denial, guilt, anger, depression, envy, and yearning. 

This extreme range of emotions can cause some women to turn to alcohol to cope. The presence of any kind of stress is strongly associated with the initiation of drinking, maintaining a dependency, and relapse. While the development on an AUD in response to stress can occur for all genders, women are more likely to drink in reaction to stress and to regulate negative emotions. Women who have had a stressful life event within the last 2 years are 4 times more likely to develop an AUD (2.5 times for men). Because women are at a greater risk for alcohol-related health risks and sexual assault, drinking to cope with stress can be especially dangerous. 

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For those, like Chrissy Teigen, who are suffering the loss of a pregnancy, there are other ways to cope. It is important to remember that the time spent grieving and the experience of specific stages will differ from person-to-person. Some of the emotions in this process may last for a long time and some may pass quickly. It is also possible that some stages will be skipped entirely. 

During a time of grief, women should be sure to make decisions for themselves. Putting their healing fully in the hands of others can be counterproductive. Instead of using alcohol to cope, women can do things to honor the loss of their child such as giving their baby a name, holding a memorial service, planting a tree for them, or getting a personalized piece of jewelry to remember them by. Moms going through the grieving process should try to take it all in one day at a time while making sure to do the things needed to take care of themselves. Journaling, therapy, support groups, and time with friends and family can assist in working through grief without alcohol. 

With alcohol use increasing at a much faster rate for women than for men, women are at a higher risk for developing an AUD  in response to stress. Women are more susceptible to the negative health risks associated with drinking which makes unhealthy drinking and coping habits more dangerous for the female gender.

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While doing press for her new film Till Death, Megan Fox revealed what motivated her to quit drinking alcohol. In an interview with Who What Wear, the 35-year-old actress shared the story of her drunken experience at the Golden Globes in 2009. Fox recounted drinking too much champagne during the event which influenced her behavior on the red carpet.

“I was sat at a table with Blake Lively and all 3 Jonas Brothers. At the Golden Globes, they always put those giant bottles of Moët & Chandon champagne on the table. I went through multiple glasses of that,” said Fox.

Moët & Chandon was founded in 1743 and has been the official drink of the Golden Globes for 30 years. Each year at the Hollywood Foreign Press Association’s award ceremony 7,500 glasses of champagne are consumed. In 2020, 125 cases of champagne were provided for the indoor portion of the event and the brand designed mini bottles with drinking funnels for portability on the red carpet.

Fox characterized her actions as “belligerent” post drinking alcohol during the ceremony. Fox went on the red carpet and made some regrettable comments to the press. These comments are the reason Fox quit drinking.

“Now I don’t drink and this is why. I got in trouble for whatever I said on the red carpet at this event. I don’t remember why but I know that I did. You can look that up.”

Footage from TMZ of the 2009 interview shows Fox using an offensive term for transgender people and then vocalizing her feelings of insecurity that night. She told the reporter that she was on the verge of vomiting because she was so horrified, embarrassed, and scared.

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Other Celebrities Who Have Quit Drinking Alcohol

Fox is certainly not the only attendee in the history of the Golden Globes to let their drinking get out of hand. In 2014, British actress Emma Thompson presented the Best Screenplay award with her shoes in one hand and a martini in the other. Later Thompson commented on her barefooted appearance saying, “Unfortunately my category came up rather late in the evening, so I was a couple of sheets to the wind.”

Other celebrities have made the same decision to quit drinking alcohol like Fox. In 2020, model and television personality Chrissy Teigen went public with her recent sobriety. Teigen posted a comment on Instagram saying, “I am tired of making an (expletive) of myself in front of people.”

Actor Ben Affleck’s 2019 relapse was made public when TMZ released a video of him stumbling while drunk on Halloween. Affleck has since said this was just a small slip up which is part of his recovery process. He wants to remain sober for his children. “What if my dad gets drunk? What if he does something stupid? What if he ends up on TMZ and its on my newsfeed for other kids to see?” Affleck told Diane Sawyer on Good Morning America.

In 2006, actor Mel Gibson, who began drinking at age 13, had a very public antisemitic rant while being arrested for a DUI. Gibson was sent to court ordered rehab. In 2010, Gibson’s girlfriend at the time, Oksana Grigorieva, secretly recorded audio of the actor as he aimed another derogatory rant at her. Gibson joined Alcoholics Anonymous, which he calls the “spiritual path for the psychopath” and has been sober for 10 years. He has described his outburst against Grigorieva as the worst moment of his life. Gibson told Australia’s Sunday Night Channel 7, “Imagine the worst moment you have ever had being recorded and broadcast to the world, and it wasn’t meant to be public. You didn’t stand on a soapbox, but that’s what happens.”

Celebrities And Alcohol Use Disorders

Alcohol use disorders (AUD) don’t discriminate and can affect anyone, even celebrities. The pressures of performance, fame, and public scrutiny that celebrities face can lead some down the destructive path of substance abuse. To cope with the stress and anxiety of stardom, celebrities may turn to alcohol. Once an individual feels some sort of relief through drinking alcohol, there is a higher chance that they will repeat the action when stress returns. This repetition of stress and feeling of relief is what causes an addiction to form.

Celebrities are more likely to deny their struggles with an AUD. It is possible that they feel removed and protected from normal life problems, such as the risk of losing their job. Because of this, celebrities often hit rock bottom before seeking treatment to quit drinking alcohol. Like Mel Gibson, rock bottom for celebrities is frequently a run in with the law. Unfortunately waiting to treat an AUD makes recovery much more difficult as addiction is a progressive illness.

Like Megan Fox at the 2009 Golden Globes, celebrities may drink alcohol at events to cope with a social anxiety disorder. Also called social phobia, social anxiety disorder is the fear of social situations like eating or speaking in public.  1/5^th of patients with a social anxiety disorder also struggle with an AUD. While people with high levels of social anxiety report that alcohol makes them more comfortable in social situations, it is possible that this is the result of their own expectations. An individual who fully believes alcohol can reduce stress has positive expectancies and is likely to drink excessively. The opposite can be true as well. If an individual has negative expectancies about alcohol’s effects, they typically do not drink because they may fear looking more foolish.

Ultimately, research has not shown support for alcohol’s effectiveness in reducing stress or social anxiety. Other methods like psychotherapy and prescribed medications are more suited for coping the stress and social anxiety one may experience. For celebrities, or anyone struggling with an AUD, it is never too late to quit drinking alcohol.

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On Tuesday, June 1, 2021, American Airlines joined Southwest and banned alcohol during flights. According to an internal memo sourced by CNN, American Airlines will not serve economy passengers alcohol mid-flight. The ban may last until September 13, 2021. Once the federal mask mandate for planes, airports, and other public transportation lifts, alcohol sales mid-flight are likely to resume. Business and first-class, however, will continue to receive alcohol service with no delays. 

The precautionary announcement curtails Southwest’s after a violent confrontation between a stewardess and passenger. During a flight from Sacramento, California, to San Diego, a flight attendant was attacked by a Southwest customer. The employee reportedly lost two teeth during the violent act. A different passenger caught the fight on camera, and it quickly went viral. 

In response to the alleged attack, Southwest quickly notified the public of a ban on alcohol sales during their flights. “Given a recent uptick industry-wide of incidents in-flight involving disruptive passengers, we’re pausing previously announced resumption of alcohol service onboard,” the airline said in a statement. American Airlines, as well as Delta, shortly followed.

The Rise In Airline Violence

Unfortunately, the altercation is only one of many. In the past few weeks, there has been an influx of travelers this summer. Compared to March 2020, the airports had a 499% increase in customers. A report by the Transportation Security Administration shows that during Memorial Day weekend, 1.95 million people were flying. Besides the large crowds, airports nationwide are also seeing a spike in violent incidents. According to various news outlets, there has been a hoard of disorderly passengers going viral every few weeks.

Since the start of the pandemic, countless airline employees have battled with unruly clients. People have refused to use their masks, objected to self distance, or have reacted unreasonably. Now, as vaccines quickly roll out, the number of disagreeable passengers has increased. The massive number of people hoping to travel is causing long lines, capacity flight, and plenty of tension. 

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While at the airport, anxious travelers are bringing alcohol to drink, cursing at employees, and even threatening each other. Since February, about 22 people have received civil penalties. The Federal Aviation Administration disclosed they had received 2,500 reports of disruptive behavior. Of the 2,500 reports of disorderly conduct, 1,900 were of passengers disobeying federal face-mask requirements. 

A Possible Solution: Alcohol Ban

To combat the rising number of incidents nationwide, airlines are taking action by banning alcohol sales. According to Sara Nelson, the international president of the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA, “The incidents of violence on planes is out of control and alcohol is often a contributor. The federal government should provide guidance to airlines and airports on pausing alcohol sales for a period of time.” Brady Byrnes, American Airlines managing director of flight service training and administration, in a memo, added, “We also recognize that alcohol can contribute to atypical behavior from customers onboard, and we owe it to our crew not to potentially exacerbate what can already be a new and stressful situation for our customers.”

Though alcohol is a legally controlled substance, when used excessively, it can be dangerous. It lowers inhibitions and is highly correlated with violent acts. It also has a broad range of other side effects, from loss of coordination to slurred speech. Nearly 15 million Americans over 18 have an alcohol use disorder. Still, only about 7% of those addicted ever receive treatment. Unfortunately, according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, the number of people with an alcohol disorder rose during the pandemic. 

As the world rushes to return to a pre-Covid-19, it is essential to note that airlines must take some precautions to maintain the safety of every traveler. As of now, passengers may have more anxiety and stress than usual. Unfortunately, alcohol can aggravate those symptoms. To combat the problem, the airlines decided to halt their alcohol sales and not contribute to the further agitation of its guests. Like a spokesperson for Southwest said, “We realize this decision will be disappointing for some customers, but we feel it to be the right decision now in the interest of safety and comfort of all on board.” In the future, as tensions simmer and the world picks up pace, alcohol sales during flights could return. 

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Every year in the United States, 2,200 people die from alcohol poisoning. That is an average of 6 people every day, and 76% of those people are aged 35 to 64. Excessive alcohol use can lead to many long-term problems, like liver and heart disease, but even one night of drinking can result in tragedy. Injuries are more likely to occur in those who are intoxicated, such as drowning or falling, as well as an increased risk for car crashes due to driving under the influence (DUI). However, too much alcohol alone can result in death. Alcohol poisoning occurs when there is too much alcohol in the bloodstream to the point that the parts of the brain controlling life support functions, like breathing and heart rate, start shutting down. Many people survive if they receive medical treatment for alcohol poisoning, but for some it is often too late by the time they get help. However, researchers have developed a method that can reduce alcohol intoxication, that may save the lives of people with severe alcohol intoxication.

Alcohol Poisoning

Alcohol poisoning, also called Ethanol poisoning, can occur in anyone who consumes too much alcohol. What is considered “too much” alcohol depends on a person’s age, gender, rate of consumption, whether they have eaten or not, and more factors. It is more likely for a person to overdose when drinking while taking certain medications, such as Benzodiazepines and Opioids. Like alcohol, certain drugs can impact parts of the brain that control breathing and can result in slow or irregular breathing. Someone who is experiencing alcohol poisoning may lose consciousness, and this can put them at risk for choking on their own vomit and dying from lack of oxygen. High amounts of alcohol in the bloodstream can impact automatic responses in the body like the gag reflex.

Signs that someone is experiencing alcohol poisoning include clammy skin, low body temperature, mental confusion (or unconsciousness), seizures, and slow heart rate. If someone is experiencing any of these symptoms, do not hesitate to call 911 and get them professional medical care. Once someone with alcohol poisoning arrives at the emergency room (ER), health care providers may use techniques like intubation, intravenous fluids, or a ventilator to offer support. In some cases of people with severe ethanol toxicity, dialysis has been used to expedite the removal of alcohol from the bloodstream when they were not responding to traditional treatments. This works by removing blood from the body and processing it through a dialyzer, the filter on a dialysis machine that mimics a kidney’s job and cleans the blood before returning it to the body. This method of reducing alcohol intoxication is not used often and is complicated, but research published in Scientific Reports, a Nature Research Journal, has presented another seemingly simple solution.

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Reducing Alcohol Intoxication By Hyperventilating

A team at the University Health Network made a device that uses a valve system, mask, and a tank with compressed carbon dioxide that allows a patient to hyperventilate without becoming lightheaded and potentially passing out. Hyperventilating causes the body to eliminate both carbon dioxide and alcohol from the blood. The deeper and faster someone breathes, the more alcohol that is breathed out by the lungs. If used in clinical settings, this device could help eliminate alcohol from the bloodstream and reduce alcohol intoxication in high-risk patients. The team was led by Dr. Joseph Fisher who stated, “It’s very basic, low-tech device that could be made anywhere in the world: no electronics, no computers or filters are required. It’s almost inexplicable why we didn’t try this decades ago.” The study was performed in a laboratory with volunteers and the authors plan on future studies.

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Since 2014, there has been a noticeable decrease in American life expectancy. A large factor in this decline is called the disease of despair. This phenomenon displays the connection between increased hopelessness and depression, suicide/suicidal thoughts, and alcohol-related diseases. The term is defined as, “diagnoses related to alcohol misuse, substance misuse, and suicide ideation and behaviors,” according to the medical journal BMJ Open. Despair can be contained in several categories, ranging from the emotional despair of loneliness, anxiety, a loss of faith in self, mankind or a higher power, loss of finances or job opportunities, and a general feeling of lack, despair is not uncommon for many Americans.

Despite the focal point of studies surrounding the disease of despair, there are additional factors that make the disease of despair concerning. The term death of despair has been linked to such conditions due to the suicidal tendencies individuals suffering from diseases of despair often have. The onset and prevalence of COVID-19 have contributed to increases in deaths of despair and diseases of despair-based substance use disorders. Challenges in facing the uncertainty of financial instability, depression, and/or individuals left hopeless amidst restrictions from the virus, or those dying from the virus. As a result, increases in addiction due to challenging mental health states have been more common.

Diseases Of Despair, Death Of Despair, And Statical Findings

Much study has occurred to decipher if diseases of despair contribute to mortality, substance abuse, and challenging mental health states. The common denominator has yielded troubling findings. The “diseases of despair” have contributed to a “68% increase” diagnosis in Americans over the course of 9 years. In addition to the disease of despair prognosis spikes, the BMJ journal cited 58.5% of the diagnosed population included men, with 55 to 74 as the primary age range.

According to another source, men aged 35 to 77 were the main focal groups affiliated with the disease of despair. Similarly, women aged 18 to 34, and 55 to 74 were most associated with the condition. Out of the 150,000 Americans who died from alcohol and drug-induced fatalities and suicides in 2017, nearly 48,000 resulted from suicide. Lastly, suicide-related thoughts and general deaths of despair conditions, often consequential of substance abuse-related health problems (liver disease, cirrhosis) occurred in middle-aged individuals. Much of this was due to economic insecurity-related despair.

Diseases Of Despair, Alcoholism, And Opioid Abuse

While individuals may not necessarily always have suicidal actions they choose to take, the grief one suffers from feelings of hopelessness, depression, and general grief can cause some to believe substances like alcohol or Opioids, for example, can improve matters. Unfortunately, such habits make matters worse, creating dependencies and addictions, which can further depression. Furthermore, the combination of toxic chemicals and the state of despair can easily contribute to suicidal ideation, self-harm, and death.

The onslaught on America’s Opioid crisis remains present in diseases and deaths of despair; fortunately, numbers are decreasing in Opioid abuse, but still remain high. Starting from the intention to ease chronic pain, many patients have found themselves addicted to the euphoria potent Opioids create. As a result, some may increase the dosage, seeking to use the chemical or chemicals to relieve depression, anxiety, or irritability.

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Signs Of Suicide, Addiction And Self-Harm

Being able to recognize signs of addiction, suicide. and self-harm, especially in relation to diseases of despair may help someone struggling. According to the science news website Live Science, signs of suicide include, but are not limited to:

• Depression

• Panic attacks

• Feelings of hopelessness

• Irritability

• Talking of suicide

• Attempts of suicide

• Increased alcohol abuse

• Increased drug abuse

In the case of addiction signs, general things to look out for can include:

• Increased alcohol abuse

• Increased drug abuse

• Polydrug use

• Inability to stop substance use

• Developing a drug tolerance

• Developing an alcohol tolerance

• Withdrawal symptoms

• Trouble with the law due to substance abuse

• Risky or dangerous behavior

• Doctor shopping

• Poor academic or work performance due to drug use

• Changes in weight and appearance due to drug use

• Using substances to “feel normal”

If or a loved one suffers suicide ideation or has suicidal tendencies, know there is help. Contact the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 1-800-273-8255. If addiction is included in the equation, consider rehab to provide detox, medications, and one-on-one counseling for substance abuse.

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Historically, young adults and alcohol have meshed together like coffee and cream. Whether at a party or group outing, alcohol has always been a staple in American social events. Surprisingly, the trend seems to be changing. More Millennials and Gen Z are abstaining from alcohol more than ever before. They are cutting down or choosing not to drink at all. 

Dubbed as the “Dry Generation,” 30% of college-aged adults are avoiding drinking. Traditionally, consuming alcohol was considered a right of passage into adulthood. Learning how to “hold your liquor” is a skill that takes practice and signifies maturity. Fast-forward to today; these newer generations are quickly doing away with the toxic tradition. Researchers found that alcohol abstinence between 16 to 24-year-olds increased from 18% in 2005 to 29% in 2015. They also discovered that alcohol abuse among the same age group decreased by 50% from 2002 to 2018. Why are young Americans drinking less? 

Young Adults, Smoking Habits, And Illicit Drug Use

According to a study performed by the University of Michigan, the answer may be found in the “Dry Generation’s” smoking habits and illicit drug use. In the U.S., daily Marijuana use is up to 7.8%. The amount of cannabis users is the highest it’s been in over 40 years. There is also a rise in Amphetamine use. The misuse of Amphetamines like Ritalin and Adderall rose to about 3%. Hookah and e-vaporizers are also trending. Almost a fifth of young adults either vape or smoke hookah. 

The trend to experiment with new substances among young adults is changing the nation’s traditional landscape. When experimenting, older generations like Baby Boomers or Gen X used to drink alcohol or smoke weed. Today, individuals are staying away from alcohol and trying new substances or mixing. The shift is giving rise to co-occurring disorders. 

The Co-Occurring Disorder Trend Among Young Adults

The co-occurring disorder trend among young adults is climbing. A recent survey identified that 18% of college-age adults who drink and smoke weed enjoy being “crossfaded.” Being “crossfaded” is a slang term for getting drunk and high from Marijuana at the same time. Crossfading is glamorized by celebrities like Lil Wayne and Ryan Langdon. The trend has gained popularity among youth and is commonly seen in college parties. 

Though being crossfaded is deemed as relatively harmless, it is far from it. People who smoke weed and drink are more likely to binge or develop an alcohol addiction. It also makes it difficult to gauge how intoxicated a person may be. The lack of symptoms can lead to negative outcomes like drunk driving. The less intoxicated a person seems, the more likely they are to engage in dangerous behaviors like driving under the influence. Drinking while smoking is associated with a higher likelihood of driving under the influence and DUI’s. What is even more concerning is the 75% of co-users who also take other illicit substances. In 2020, the University of Michigan revealed that a fifth of young Americans misused prescription drugs while “crossfaded.” In contrast, only 2.5% of young adults who abstained from alcohol and marijuana misused prescription drugs. 

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Alcohol Abstinence, Weed Use: The Key To Polysubstance Abuse?

Based on recent research, alcohol abstinence does not lead to polysubstance abuse. However, there is a rise in drug experimentation, which may be leading to co-occurring disorders. Young adults are using Marijuana more than ever before. This increase in weed’s popularity may be correlated with the rise of polysubstance abuse. It is still too early to tell whether this correlation is true and more research is needed. In the meantime, Marijuana will only continue to gain popularity as it becomes legalized in many states. 

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