Since the start of the pandemic and stay-at-home orders, memes on social media have poked fun at the fact that many people are drinking more alcohol because of the isolation and stress they’re experiencing. But the truth is the COVID-19 crisis has created a heightened level of anxiety and depression and the increased risk of substance abuse.

But how do you know when your alcohol use is negatively impacting your life or the life of someone you love?

Tony Rajiv Juneja, M.D., M.S., psychiatry specialist at Hackensack Meridian Health, says the first thing most people notice is their alcohol consumption interferes with normal activities like spending time with family and getting work done. Another common sign is finding yourself sleeping later and more or less than usual.

To determine whether your alcohol use is becoming a problem, Dr. Juneja suggests asking four questions:

1. Are you missing out on activities you normally engage in?
2. Are friends or family telling you you’re drinking too much and should cut down?
3. Do you feel guilty about your drinking?
4. Do you feel the need for a drink first thing in the morning?

Dr. Juneja says if you answer “yes” to even one of these questions, your drinking might be a problem. Two positive answers are clinically significant, and three or four suggest you need to seek help.

“Treatment works,” he says. “Help is available, and alcohol doesn’t have to rule your entire life.”

Where to Get Help

Dr. Juneja recommends that if you think you have a problem, first speak to your primary care physician, who can check for medical conditions that are often concurrent with substance use disorder, including high blood pressure and diabetes. Your doctor can also refer you to a

treatment program.

These programs might include medical supervision for detoxification, therapy sessions, group sessions and telemedicine appointments through your computer or phone. Doctors can offer new medications that reduce the desire to drink, while psychotherapy can help uncover the unconscious pain that can lead to alcohol use and misuse.

If you are reluctant to talk with a doctor, consider self-directed groups like AA (Alcoholics Anonymous) or Smart Recovery.

Alcohol abuse is not a moral or personal failure. It’s a medical condition, and support is available to help you recover from it. “People in treatment do better than people who aren’t in treatment,” Dr. Juneja says. “If you suspect you may benefit from treatment, start now. The sooner you start, the sooner you’ll feel better.”

The material provided through HealthU is intended to be used as general information only and should not replace the advice of your physician. Always consult your physician for individual care.