A recent study has revealed that alcohol abuse skyrocketed during the pandemic and alcohol-related deaths increased by 25 percent from 2019 to 2020, jumping from 78,927 deaths to 99,017. Alcohol-related deaths had been rising in recent years but this large jump is a troubling sign of the effects of a mental health and substance use crisis that is unfolding as we emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Increased isolation due to the pandemic exacerbated a substance use crisis for those who struggle with substance use disorder and mental health conditions. Though alcohol was the primary focus of the study, researchers noted that opioid deaths involving alcohol rose 41 percent. This is especially troubling as those with mental health conditions are about twice as likely to suffer from a substance use disorder. 

Sadly, this mental health crisis is also affecting today’s youth. A U.S. Surgeon General’s report warned of a youth mental health crisis, and the American Academy of Pediatrics declared a national emergency in children’s mental health. This crisis can lead to alcohol and drug experimentation and substance use disorder if not tackled head on.

It is vital that we focus on mental health.  A cornerstone of the Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey is encouraging family communication. Talk to your family, children and loved ones. Know what they are involved in and who they spend time with. Be a person your children can turn to if they feel stress or are approached to experiment with drugs or alcohol. Open communication is a good way to address issues before they arise and provides an opportunity to proactively seek help.