Scranton Residents Seek Effective Treatment for Alcohol Use Disorder as Pennsylvania Liquor Stores Report Highest Annual Sales Increase in History

Scranton, PA - The global COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on mental health and subsequently, substance abuse. Liquor stores in Scranton Pennsylvania have reported historic annual sales as people seek ways to deal with pandemic-related stress. Many of those same people are now facing a new challenge - alcohol use disorder.

The announcement from the Pennsylvania Liquor Board coincides with a JAMA Network study indicating that binge drinking significantly increased during the pandemic. Binge and heavy drinking can quickly escalate into alcohol use disorder (alcohol addiction).

According to JAMA and NCBI research, the main reasons for increased binge and heavy drinking are COVID-related stress, increased availability of alcohol, and boredom. More than 30 percent of respondents reported binge drinking and 60 percent reported increased alcohol consumption. Those who reported COVID-related stress drank more alcohol and more frequently which is a cause for real concern.

Drinking to relieve stress and the availability of alcohol are two well-established risk factors for the development of alcohol addiction. Addiction experts cite uncertainty about the future, social isolation, and financial difficulties as the main triggers to abuse alcohol. Interestingly, they are also among the most common negative consequences of heavy alcohol use, which is why alcohol addiction is a vicious cycle.

Public health officials and addiction treatment professionals are concerned that the drastic increase in alcohol sales, 54 percent higher nationally (online alcohol sales increased by 262 percent), will lead to a wave of alcohol addiction and all its consequences- the erosion of mental and physical health, employment, financial stability, and relationships to name a few.

People struggling with alcohol abuse are encouraged to seek effective treatment through accredited addiction treatment centers. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), effective alcohol addiction treatment requires personalized treatment, addressing co-occurring mental health disorders such as anxiety, depression, and trauma, evidence-based behavioral therapy, and a whole-patient approach that helps a person with other areas indirectly related to their addiction.

The Source is an alcohol and drug rehab center in Fort Lauderdale, FL that serves people from Scranton and all over the US. The treatment center is built upon a foundation of compassion and total commitment to the clients they serve. Isolation can be the tinder for the fire of addiction but conversely, support, guidance, and a sense of belonging can break the cycle of addiction.

Anyone in need of help for alcohol or drug abuse can speak to a member of The Source’s team at any time by calling (800) 204-0418 or by visiting www.thesourcetreatmentcenter.com.