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The world as we knew it has changed due to COVID-19. Even as governors talk about ending some social distancing protections, people’s physical, mental, and emotional health remain at risk. As a nation, we’ve been checking in, reaching out, and helping our families, friends, and complete strangers. The question is, have you checked in with YOURSELF? How are you feeling, and what coping strategies are you using to deal with this newfound or added anxiety, stress, and uncertainty for the future?
Some People are Coping with Alcohol If you’re unlocking the liquor cabinet as a way to de-stress during these challenging times, you’re not alone. According to research conducted by Nielsen, alcohol sales have skyrocketed. In comparison to last year, in the week ending March 21, 2020:
There is nothing wrong with enjoying an occasional glass of wine or a mixed drink at home (so long as you are of age and are cleared to do so by your doctor). However, when you’re pouring a drink to deal with stress it increases the potential to experience problematic drinking. Alcohol is an Unhealthy Coping Mechanism According to the Mayo Clinic, drinking too much alcohol on a single occasion or over a period of time can cause significant health problems, including a weakened immune system. In turn, this makes it harder for your body to resist disease, and increases your risk of various illnesses, especially pneumonia. Weakening our immune system goes against everything we are trying to accomplish during this time. And when it comes to relieving stress and anxiety, drinking can actually worsen the situation, as alcohol alters levels of serotonin (which regulates mood and happiness), along with other neurotransmitters in the brain. How much is too much? The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) says there are three levels of drinking, two of which are problematic: Moderate Drinking: 1 drink per day for women of legal drinking age and up to 2 drinks per day for men of legal drinking age. Binge Drinking: 4 or more drinks for women and 5 or more drinks for men - consumed within about 2 hours; or a pattern of drinking that brings blood alcohol concentration (BAC) to 0.08 percent or higher. Heavy Alcohol Use: 4 drinks or more on any day for men or more than 3 drinks for women. Binge drinking and heavy alcohol use are absolutely problematic. If you find yourself or your loved ones to be drinking this much, seek help from a professional at findtreatment.gov. Even with moderate drinking however, one should take caution that alcohol is not being used to cope with stress, anxiety, or boredom. While gyms are closed and we cannot socialize in-person, we can still take walks, breathe in the fresh air, meditate, reach out to friends, and be there for our families. Lastly, you should be aware of how your coping skills and the choices you’re making now are impacting your children. The example you set today will impact and influence your children and how they deal with stress and anxiety during this crisis and future crises. Sources
Everyone has a role in prevention. By reading and sharing this Know! Parent Tip today, you’re doing your part to prevent substance misuse and create a healthier world for all. We created these free parent tips to empower parents like you. Know! helps you promote health and wellness and protect the young person in your life from unhealthy behaviors, including alcohol, tobacco, and other drug use. However, we rely on donations from people like you to provide these tips. If you found this tip interesting or helpful, please consider donating at preventionactionalliance.org/donate. Know! Parent Tips are provided by Prevention Action Alliance with support from the Ohio Department of Mental Health & Addiction Services, the Ohio Department of Education, and Start Talking!.
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Who: KSAAT & Local Law Enforcement Agencies
What: Drug Take Back Day When: April 25, 2020 Drop-off Locations: Mount Vernon Police Department Fredericktown Police Department Knox County Sheriff’s Office Knox County, OH – With families encouraged to stay at home due to the nationwide health crisis, the Drug Enforcement Administration is asking Americans to keep prescription medications safe and secure until they can properly dispose of them. DEA in cooperation with local organizations like KSAAT and local law enforcement holds its National Prescription Drug Take Back Day twice a year. However, because of the current nationwide coronavirus pandemic, DEA postponed the 2020 Spring Take Back Day, originally scheduled for April 25, 2020. The Take Back day will be rescheduled for a date shortly after the health crisis recedes and national emergency guidelines are lifted. If you have medications to dispose of there are three 24/7 drop-boxes located in Knox County for year round disposal. These locations include; the Knox County Sheriff’s Office, the Fredericktown Police Department and the Mount Vernon Police Department. These 24/7 drop-boxes remain anonymous and contact free; however, please do not put liquids, inhalers, syringes or illegals in the drop-boxes. It is vital to secure and dispose of medications properly. Many Americans are not aware that medicines left in one’s home are highly susceptible to diversion, misuse and abuse. Rates of prescription drug abuse in the U.S. are at alarming rates, as are the number of accidental poisonings and overdoses due to these drugs. If you are unable to make it out to any of the three drop box locations Knox County residents can request a free Deterra Drug Deactivation pouch by calling 740-392-2200 ext. 2229. These pouches allow for the safe destruction of medications, liquids and patches at home. Visit ksaat.org for more information. We know that for many tweens and teens, their social connectedness is what drives them. When their social lives are not only disrupted but literally stopped in their tracks, it can have devastating consequences. At this point, the novelty of being out of school has likely worn off, and the reality of social distancing has set in. And while being six feet apart or hunkered down in our homes slows the spread of this virus, the physical and mental implications can include isolation and loneliness.
This ongoing isolation and loneliness can lead to depression, which can in turn lead to numerous adverse mental health and physical impacts, such as:
Study after study shows the importance of social connectedness to one’s physical and mental health. While experts typically encourage youth to put down the electronics and enjoy in-person interactions, these are unique circumstances. People of all ages are encouraged to grab their electronic gadgets to get and stay connected. Tweens and teens are experts at connecting with friends on social media, by text, Facetime, or Skype, to name a few. But how about challenging them to get creative with their virtual connections. They could do a workout session with a group of friends via Google Hangout; come up with an exercise contest made up of burpees, push-ups and planks; jump rope together and see who can go the longest; or give group yoga a try. If the weather cooperates, encourage your teen or tween to take it outside. They can remain at home or in their respective outdoor space to maintain appropriate social distance. This way they can get some fresh air, in addition to exercise and “facetime” with friends—three big components to their health and wellness. They can also connect virtually to watch movies, create a healthy meal, or even go old school and simply just talk to each other. Of course, too much time online is not a good thing either. There must be balance. This is where the silver lining to this current situation comes into play—the chance for families to slow down and spend more quality time together. Family Support Is Key According to Search Institute, there are 40 Developmental Assets that contribute to a child’s success in life. The first two assets listed are family support and positive family communication:
While positive connections with friends is hugely important in preventing feelings of isolation and loneliness during this time, a child’s positive connection with their parent(s) is monumental. With all this in mind, we want to encourage our teens and tweens to maintain those positive connections with their friends. At the same time, we must take the lead to connect more with our children by engaging in activities with them, talking with them daily, and keeping up to date on how they are feeling about and dealing with their new “normal.” It will go a long way for our children’s successful development, health, and well-being both now and in the years to come. Sources
Everyone has a role in prevention. By reading and sharing this Know! Parent Tip today, you’re doing your part to prevent substance misuse and create a healthier world for all. We created these free parent tips to empower parents like you. Know! helps you promote health and wellness and protect the young person in your life from unhealthy behaviors, including alcohol, tobacco, and other drug use. However, we rely on donations from people like you to provide these tips. If you found this tip interesting or helpful, please consider donating at preventionactionalliance.org/donate. Know! Parent Tips are provided by Prevention Action Alliance with support from the Ohio Department of Mental Health & Addiction Services, the Ohio Department of Education, and Start Talking!. Know! Parent Tips are also available in Spanish at the Know! archives. |
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