Academic Poster

Abstract

This project concerning the rapid rise of addiction during the COVID-19 pandemic has procured a variety of research that provides a shining light on why and how addiction has been caused and what can be done to prevent it from happening. With primary and secondary research the case for the arguments made is both illuminating and compelling.

Background

COVID-19 has played a rather significant role in the upscale of substance addictions, including in teens and adolescents. This fact is simply due to the stress and quite frankly the trauma that the global pandemic has caused. People have resorted to a band-aid solution to their very real problems, the unhealthy consumption of various substances including nicotine, alcohol, methamphetamine, and opioids has led to mass addiction and overdose. Not only is the research to understand and prevent these costly addictions critical, but it also comes at such a critical time as the COVID-19 pandemic has enabled far more addictions than ever before. 

Methods of Research

Primary: The primary research discussed in this project was two interviews. Both interviewees were anonymous as the discussion of addiction is a sensitive topic and they requested their names remain confidential. The first interview was with a member of the Arizona Addiction Treatment Center who discussed the increase in addiction rates and how the center has adapted to the pandemic. The second was with a recent former addict themselves.

Secondary Research: The first piece of secondary research is an article by Michel Rounds an addiction recovery specialist. His article published by psychology today sheds light on why addiction has risen in the pandemic.The second was from the National Library of Medicine as they published an article describing SUD (substance use disorder) increase during the pandemic.

Results:

The results for the question of how addiction has risen in the pandemic were found through the research and attributed the rates to the isolation of the pandemic and the despair. The pandemic has caused many stressful situations as well as many isolated scenarios that force people to resort to addiction. The prevention of this problem lies in the treatment centers and the problimatic closures and restrictions placed on them during the pandemic. Thus, the solution is to re-open and alleviate the restrictions so that addicts can get the help they need.

Conclusion

I have learned a lot, and am grateful for my teachings and findings in this English 102 class. The first thing that people can do to solve this problem, and what everyone can do is to stop stigmas. Stigmas are a small part of the problem as they insist that the problem remain hidden, or that it doesn’t exist at all. The second thing people can do is keep treatment centers open, fight for them to stay open, and receive sufficient funding. No one wants to lose someone they love, no one wants to feel that pain, and anger, and rage. To stand over a grave and feel robbed of a loved one is a heart-wrenching experience. There is hope for the hopeless, redemption for anyone who has the will to ask for it

References:

Ornell, Felipe et al. “The COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on substance use: Implications for prevention and treatment.” Psychiatry research vol. 289 (2020): 113096. doi:10.1016/j.psychres.2020.113096

Rounds, Michael J. How Is Addiction Affected by the Covid-19 Pandemic? 14 Jan. 2021, www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/10000-days-sober/202101/how-is-addiction-affected-the-covid-19-pandemic. 

John, Smith. In-person interview. 29 Mar. 2021

Arizona Addiction Treatment Center. Telephone interview. 4 April. 2021