Quarantine takes toll on alcoholics

[jim mcnamara]

This thread has interesting information, but lots of personal experience. Which is okay, but not really what the science only part of PF supports. So in the interest of keeping it unlocked, let's move it to General Discussion.

 

[Klystron]

While I think our governor exempted cannabis and liquor stores from mandatory closure, the former have closed walk in storefronts in favor of home delivery.

My doctor recently recommended CBD tincture and topical ointments for arthritis. While our grocery stores stock CBD treatments, I have been informed that the cannabis stores stock higher quality local products, though at higher tax rates.

I am pleased how well the CBD extracts work on affected muscles and joints. Been running an informal experiment by rubbing hydrocortisone cream on one side, CBD cream on the other for comparison. The sublingual CBD tinctures affect the entire body, naturally; but without the mental changes typical of THC products.

For those seeking psycho-active highs every form of state approved cannabis is available at one's door with tinctures, extracts and edibles for wise folk eschewing vape and smoke. Save your lungs; you may need them.

Alcohol in every popular form is readily available at every corner grocery store; 28/8 as my son likes to say (twice on Sundays). The liquor section dimensions of most stores exceed other departments except fresh produce. Nonetheless, a local immigrant family has opened giant liquor emporiums in every neighborhood of Our Fair City to great success alongside 'big box' stores that literally sell crates of massive liquor bottles. Shuttered restaurants and bars have been allowed to deliver alcoholic drinks along with food.

Like most sane locals I try to limit my intake of every good thing, especially given our trying times. Exercise instead of ecstasy. Reading posts from libation deprived members, I understand the appeal of our fair city. Come enjoy the ambiance; once travel restrictions relax, of course.

 

[Dr. Courtney]

The liquor stores near me haven't really been any better about social distancing and the handling of common items than other retail stores, like Walmart and Academy sports.

At the same time, the real "need" for the product is most likely a much smaller segment of the population than the segment of the population really needing groceries.

This level of medical need can almost be certainly be met by opening up home delivery from liquor stores to customers and maintaining other channels that need to be kept open for food (groceries, take out, and food delivery).

In areas where the COVID-19 rates are high enough to justify closure of retail outlets like liquor stores, the needs of folks for whom alcohol is a medical necessity can be met through other avenues.

 

[pinball1970]

Well I know a guy who was in the hospital for several weeks last year, and was in danger of dying, due to alcohol detox. (Arrested after a drunk driving incident).
I used to drink a far amount, but not like that guy.
You may not have been addicted enough to alcohol for these affects.

My friend suffered similar. He has episodes of wretching that can last for hours which then lead to withdrawal

That's shameful and a complete disregard for the health/life of people used to drinking high amounts of alcohol. For medical reasons, you CANNOT just shut off their supply of alcohol.

Also, not all people that drink large quantities of alcohol, even on a daily basis are alcoholics. It's in the genes, I guess like addiction to drugs, how one person can take drugs and not get addicted while another taking the same amount gets addicted.

At least in the US, if your state bans alcohol, you can just drive to another state that doesn't.

Pennsylvania is the only Cray-cray state to close liquor stores?

According to your article

One way of avoiding shortage also in Pennsylvania

https://www.cnn.com/2020/04/14/us/coors-light-delivery-trnd/index.html

 

[chemisttree]

At least in the US, if your state bans alcohol, you can just drive to another state that doesn't.

Maybe that’s why Texas didn’t shut down the alcoholic, er... liquor stores. From where I am in San Antonio it’s a six-hour drive in any direction to get to another state. And, of course, once in that “state”, the drive home is a lot longer.

 

[chemisttree]

I had to settle for all the expensive and instant noodles that have a higher fat content.

Yeah, I noticed that too. At the peak of shopping panic a couple of weeks ago, I noticed a lot of escargot and Vegemite on the shelves.

Made me soooo glad I had panic shopped a week earlier...

 

[Mary Conrads Sanburn]

I live in Contra Costa, CA -There is no toilet paper or paper towels at Cosco, Rite-Aide, and CVS!
Things are becoming weird in my life. I walk on golf courses now.