Quarantine takes toll on alcoholics

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the impact of quarantine measures on individuals with alcohol dependency, particularly focusing on withdrawal symptoms and the availability of alcohol during lockdowns. Participants explore various responses to the closure of bars and liquor stores, including illegal brewing and alternative sources of alcohol, as well as the potential health risks associated with sudden cessation of alcohol consumption.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants express concern over serious withdrawal symptoms faced by individuals unable to access alcohol due to lockdown measures.
  • There are claims that liquor stores are deemed essential in many regions, allowing continued access to alcohol, particularly in the US.
  • Others argue that not all areas have the same policies regarding liquor store operations, with some states closing them entirely.
  • Participants discuss the potential dangers of abruptly cutting off alcohol for those with dependency issues, referencing conditions like delirium tremens.
  • Some suggest that individuals may resort to illegal brewing or using alternative substances when alcohol is unavailable.
  • There are mentions of varying availability of alcohol in different countries, with some allowing purchases in grocery stores while others do not.
  • Concerns are raised about the health implications of sudden cessation of alcohol consumption and how healthcare providers might manage such situations.
  • One participant shares their personal experience of going cold turkey and the challenges faced during the quarantine.
  • Some participants note that not all heavy drinkers are alcoholics, suggesting a genetic component to addiction.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally do not reach a consensus on the best approach to managing alcohol dependency during quarantine, with multiple competing views regarding the availability of alcohol and the implications of its absence.

Contextual Notes

There is a lack of clarity regarding the specific regulations in different regions, as well as the varying definitions of alcoholism and dependency. The discussion also highlights the complexities of healthcare access during lockdowns, particularly for those with alcohol dependency.

  • #31
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.
 
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  • #32
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.
 
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  • #33
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.
 
  • #34
BillTre said:
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
Evo said:
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
 
  • #35
Evo said:
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.
 
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  • #36
pinball1970 said:
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...
 
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  • #37
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.