Addiction remains shrouded in stigma, while the system through which we provide addiction treatment in Australia is fragmented and failing. There’s no better time to address these issues.
It’s hard to get an accurate picture of how the pandemic has influenced drug use, but initial data suggests treatment services are reporting increased demand.
COVID-19 is not only disrupting services for people with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) and their families, but may also be linked to an increase in rates due to an uptick in alcohol use.
Even drinking fewer than 14 units of alcohol a week was damaging.
ELEVATE/ Pexels
While many people said they drank more during the pandemic, others actually drank less, mainly because socialising at clubs, pubs and parties wasn’t possible.
Cylinder seal (left) and modern impression (right) showing two people drinking beer through long straws. Khafajeh, Iraq (Early Dynastic period, c. 2600–2350 B.C.).
Courtesy of the Oriental Institute of the University of Chicago
Beer was extremely popular in ancient Mesopotamia. Sipped through straws, it differed from today’s beer and was enjoyed by people from all walks of life.
With regular music festivals, people can more easily seek help or advice about drug and alcohol or mental health issues. But with drive-ins we need to be creative to minimise harms.
As well as introducing mandatory pregnancy alcohol warning labels, we need to address the high rates of alcohol use during pregnancy at a societal level.
Women have reported increased drinking at higher levels than men during the coronavirus pandemic. This is likely because their mental health is suffering.
Professor, Director of Research and Statistical Support Service and Program Leader for Substance Use and Mental Health, Centre for Health Services Research, The University of Queensland