A study completed by Alcohol.org reached out to 3,000 workers in the U.S. and found that one in three Pennsylvanians are drinking during work hours while working from home. This startling statistic outlines just how stressful the current situation can be, but there are resources and tips to consider to avoid falling into this dangerous habit.
“I would say we are living in very challenging times for many people and those who use substances are no exception,” said Angela Eckstrom, executive director of Alcohol & Drug Abuse Services for Cameron, Elk and McKean counties. “The social isolation, stressors from too much work, or lack of work, home schooling or child care and many other responsibilities facing individuals during this time could lead some to look for ways to cope, which may include the use of alcohol or other substances.
“If an individual had a pre-existing substance use disorder, this time could lead to an increase of use if they are not proactive and find alternative healthy coping skills and support such as telephone or video counseling and online support group meetings.”
According to the Alcohol.org study, which can be found at https://www.alcohol.org/guides/work-from-home-drinking/, 35% of Americans say they are likely to drink more alcohol while self-isolating, and one-fifth (22%) of Americans say they have stockpiled alcohol for self-isolation. Men were more likely to make sure they have a sufficient supply of alcohol, with 27% saying they have stockpiled booze, as compared to just 15% of women.
Eckstrom noted that there are some tips for working from home that could help reduce the urge to drink while on work time. These include:
— Maintain a schedule even when working from home.
— Schedule times to talk to your co-workers about some of the challenges they may be facing managing work from home and brainstorm ideas to support each other.
— Take advantage of your employer sponsored Employee Assistance Program (EAP) that provides great resources and tips and telephonic counseling for free in many cases.
— Have a dedicated work space in your home.
— Eat healthy meals
— Exercise, even if you can take time to stretch, that may be beneficial
— Avoid household tasks during work hours
— Remember that policies regarding substance use at the workplace apply to working from home as well in most cases.
Teens and alcohol during the pandemic
In other areas, stories have come to light of teenagers meeting to hold large parties and drink alcohol to find fun in a time of isolation. This issue is a recognized concern during less stressful times in rural areas. For the current situation, Eckstrom explained that the best approach for parents of teenagers when it comes to substance use is to remove access to alcohol and other dangerous substances such as addictive prescribed medications. Eckstrom explained this is due to the fact that most youth identified a family member as a source when using, according to the Pennsylvania Youth Survey conducted in area schools.
“Many parents may not even realize they are the sources,” she explained. “Make sure alcohol is stored in a locked cabinet. Parents should also have clear expectations of not using substances. They should also make discipline appropriate and be consistent.
“Take time to talk to your children about their concerns, stressors and fears during this difficult time. Make time for family activities within the home, online family challenges and the like, or out in the yard. If we focus on the positives of the situation we are all in, this unique time can be fun! We can enjoy more family time and have an amazing opportunity to have time to really connect with your children.”
Alcohol and Drug Abuse Services has posted activities for youth to Facebook that combine education about substance use and interactive activities. In addition, there are other ways to reach out for help.
“If someone feels lonely, finds themselves wanting to use substances and would like to talk to someone, we are offering telephonic peer support, case management services for assistance with resource availability, and substance use and gambling counseling,” Eckstrom said.
She stated that all of this is available by calling the ADAS central intake phone number, 1-844-621-4080.
Whether it be teens or adults, the important thing is to recognize if alcohol abuse is an issue and seek out assistance in dealing with the problem.
Eckstrom explained that there are also resources available online, which are listed on the Alcohol and Drug Services Facebook page. She explained both Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotic Anonymous offer live online meetings for support as well.
“The most important thing is for everyone to know that they are not alone, even though we physically have to stay apart, there are many ways to connect and stay in touch and be supported if they need it,” Eckstrom said.
