COVID-19 and ADDICTION

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19), caused by the coronavirus, has resulted in a worldwide pandemic, the likes of which have only been seen a century ago. Since 2020, the global population has had to undergo unprecedented situations with little to no preparation. We have had to face challenges for which there was no way to adapt quickly; or intuitively know how to manage ourselves or those around us. The repercussions of these challenges were that many people succumbed to mental health problems such as substance abuse, depression, anxiety and so on. Across the globe, people have reported an increase in substance dependence and addictive behaviors, despite the lockdown curbing the accessibility to substances.

The fear and apprehension of being infected by the virus and living in constant dread triggers our deep seated fight or flight response which helps us in threatening situations. Repeated activation of this response is harmful for us and contributes to high blood pressure and brain changes resulting in anxiety, depression and addiction. Even when the lockdown has ended, the atmosphere of dread still persists, not just towards the virus but also the consequences of COVID-19, such as uncertainty about employment, financial instability, etc. This further increases chances for unpredictable risky or maladaptive behavior like addiction.

Staying at home during the lockdown made most of us feel a sense of disconnect from our reality and also made us feel isolated from those around us. Isolation has been related to a risk of cognitive decline, changes in personality and increased anxiety and depression. Addiction is sometimes a direct and at other times an indirect consequence of social isolation, mediated by other factors which are a result of the isolation such as lack of stimulation, periods of low mood or energy. Loss of a routine for many people has been another major issue for people since there is no fixed time that they can engage in recreational activity and can access the alcohol and substances they have at home. The inevitable merging of outdoor and indoor activities means that there are no social caveats to taking drugs or alcohol- many people who would only drink or indulge in drugs in social settings are now doing the same at home, by themselves; thus increasing the risk for addiction.

Addiction, be it to drugs, alcohol, sex, food, internet, gaming, etc. comes under a range of dysfunctional behaviors in order to cope with a situation that is dysfunctional in itself. This is a useful way to understand the rise of addiction during the pandemic- wherein the maladaptive behavior is just the surface level manifestation of a deeper dysfunction, or a loss of equilibrium. Many people who were living high functioning, healthy lives were suddenly shaken by their lifestyle going for a complete toss; thus revealing the underlying potential for dysfunction very evidently. This goes to show that even the best of us should not overestimate ourselves and always be aware of our patterns of seeking compulsively. This can be achieved through seeking mental healthcare and practicing meditation or other activities which bring us to the present and help us recognize the erratic, seeking minds that lie underneath even when we think we are doing perfectly fine.

Rehabilitation center in India can be a great place to get to a sense of normalcy, for people suffering from drug and alcohol addiction, withdrawal or other mental health problems. For these people, it is natural to want to attempt to get better by themselves at home during the pandemic; but that may not always be the best answer. Many people who try to bring themselves out of addiction, on their own, may fall into the trap of making superficial changes (like creating a reward system- “one drink after I finish this work, is fine.”) or quitting cold turkey without a proper support system or substituting one dysfunctional behavior for another (eg. Gambling instead of drug or alcohol use). Hence, going for treatment to a rehabilitation center which aids in detox, recovery and relapse prevention is an efficient and long lasting solution. Creating a safe space and an atmosphere that is conducive for recovery is the key here.  There are quite a few rehabilitation centers in India which cater to such needs. In fact, many Alcohol and drug rehabilitation centers in Mumbai and Pune are quite efficient in their treatment approach.

Zorbacare is one of the rehabilitation centers for addiction,  which caters to these needs by customizing treatment plans, having routine follow ups to prevent relapses and giving a sense of community to addicts who require such a support system. And most importantly, Zorbacare helps the person to discover themselves underneath the addictive behaviors so that they can lead satisfying and fulfilling lives again.