News: Addiction Allies counselor shares increasing alcohol abuse concerns and ways to cope in quarantine

We were recently featured in a NBC29 article.

CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. (WVIR) - It is no secret that having a drink or two is a popular way to take the edge off during this pandemic. However, in some cases, that coping mechanism is being abused and raising concerns for addiction counselors.“I’m getting telephone calls from all over the state, even out of state about individuals and individuals who have family members and friends who are drinking too much,” Addiction Allies Counselor Willie Manning said.Manning says he is actually relieved because it means people are taking the first difficult step of reaching out for help.However, he presumes the coronavirus will continue to present many challenges as lives are altered by the situation.“That results in a lot of stress, and when folks aren’t able to manage that much stress usually thoughts and feelings get a little bit dangerous.”Manning says it all comes back to mental health.“We’re seeing a lot of anxiety, a lot of depression...folks tend to self soothe, and an easy way to self sooth kind of instant gratification is drinking alcohol.”

https://www.nbc29.com/2020/05/11/addiction-allies-counselor-shares-increasing-alcohol-abuse-concerns-ways-cope-quarantine/