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Substance Abuse During the COVID-19 Era: How to Get Out of Your Rut

People throughout the world are drinking at higher rates than ever before. Being locked down leads to boredom which in turn leads to excessive drinking. There has been so much beer consumed that there is a looming shortage of aluminum cans. People that have no had issues with substance abuse in the past have normalized drinking large amounts daily. Getting out of this rut can be difficult but it is essential as substance abuse can be linked with job loss and arrests. You do not want to have to call a Raleigh DWI lawyer or one that handles drug possession cases. The following are tips to break your habits you might have formed during social distancing. 

Get Out and Do Something 

Getting out and doing something might seem impossible while maintaining distancing. This could be something as simple as taking a few walks around the neighborhood per day. Boredom leads to substance abuse in many cases so filling up your time is imperative. You might not need to leave the home to do something as there are so many things that you can learn online. Use this time as an opportunity to grow rather than numb your brain with alcohol or drugs. 

The last thing that people want to do is drink after they have exercised in an intense manner. You can use exercise as an outlet instead of drugs or alcohol. You do not have to be a gym rat as staying active can be as easy as taking a hike or bike ride with the family. 

Ask for Help 

You might need to ask friends or a significant other to help you with cutting down your drinking. This might not be enough as you could have developed a full-blown addiction. Seeing a substance abuse professional to help you through the process of reducing or quitting drinking can be important. The last thing you want is an addiction to worsen that would have never reared its ugly head without the 2020 pandemic. There are all kinds of support groups for people that have different goals. Moderate drinking shouldn’t be a concern but when you are drinking a good amount nightly, you might have to reevaluate your daily life. 

Keep Alcohol and Cannabis Out of the Home

Keeping alcohol out of the home during the week can be a great strategy that will cut down your drinking. Recreational cannabis is legal in certain states but it can be easy to waste a day when partaking. There are far too many options when it comes to delivering alcohol or cannabis that you need to make a focused effort to keep it out of the home. Take the time to write out your current intake of substances then slowly taper your way down. Excessive alcohol consumption can be extremely expensive so it will help your wallet and health. 

Substance abuse statistics during the pandemic have been staggering. Do not allow the pandemic to lead you down the road of addiction.

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