Monterey County sees uptick in substance abuse likely due to COVID-19
MONTEREY, Calif. (KION)
Staff at Community Hospital of the Monterey Peninsula and Beacon House say they are experiencing an increased call volume regarding possible substance abuse among the community.
Most of the calls are from concerned parents, family members and individuals themselves who say they notice a change in patterns of some habits and behavior.
Beacon House Executive Director, Susan Cowen, says this is most likely due to the stress and uncertainty caused by the ongoing pandemic.
She says 1 in 4 people are struggling with substance abuse or addiction.
One of the most common substances she says she hears patients using right now is alcohol.
"There's all these happy hours that are happening at 5 o'clock with friends via zoom meetings. Individuals themselves that have realized 'Oh, my goodness' they thought maybe this was going to be over in April and it's not over and they're not sure when it's going to be over.
They're calling us saying 'I think I have a problem and I can't stop,' " says Cowen.
She says people tend to use substances to numb feelings of anxiety or fear, but adds it could lead to more impacts down the road.
Children and teens are being impacted as well.
Susan D. Swick, a psychiatrist at Community Hospital of the Monterey Peninsula, says they are receiving more frequent calls from parents of children and teens who are showing disruptive and unusual behavior.
This is something she says the parents attribute to possible substance use.
Swick says many of the habits children pick up can often come from watching their families.
"I think families have slowed down and are spending more time together and if we're ready with more supports, we can take advantage. Families can be stress snd they can cause problem for kids, but families can also be medicine," says Swick.
She says being there for children and families personally is an issue due to social distancing and safety guidelines.
Over the phone and virtual services are available to those who need it.
A new free virtual counseling service for children was recently introduced by the Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation.
The foundation includes Jerry Moe, a children's therapist who played a huge role in creating the story line for Karli, a character on Sesame Street who experienced substance abuse in her family.
"Somewhere between 1 out of every 3 to 1 out of every 4 boys and girls in America love someone in their family that's been hurt by addiction. When you add in the pandemic, it only worsens the whole process," says Moe.
The Hazeldon Betty Ford services offer virtual sessions tailored to children between 7-12 years old to help them approach and process substance abuse issues they may be experiencing with their families.
Susan Swick says she might consider using these for her own patients.
For resources in Monterey County visit beaconhouse.org or chomp.org.
You can also call Beacon House at 1-800-215-4733
For more information on Hazeldon Betty Ford Services visit hazeldenbettyford.org or call 1-855-995-2806
