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Officials warn of increased alcohol, substance abuse in Colorado this winter

At the end of a historically stressful year, mental health officials worry that alcohol and substance abuse among Coloradans is going to increase further this holiday season, the Center for Mental Health in Montrose said last week.

The center said numerous triggers are coming together to create a perfect storm of isolation, including COVID-19 fears and restrictions, political division, winter weather and holiday stress.

These factors have already led to a visible increase in depression and substance abuse.

Compared to 2019, alcohol consumption among U.S. adults has increased by 14%, according to a report in JAMA Network Open from late September.

Alcohol sales also increased by 54% in March when the pandemic first hit the U.S.

Colorado increases DUI enforcement, offers free Lyft rides during holiday season

A survey from the National Institute on Drug Abuse also found that 20% of respondents said their own drug use or that of a family member has increased since the start of the pandemic.

“Isolation has been proven to be a contributing factor,” said Kathleen Burnell, director of substance use services for the center. “Feeling disconnected from family and friends tends to lead to less joy which then leads to searching for more coping mechanisms.”

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The increase can be seen locally as well. In Colorado, one in three relationship break ups during the pandemic have been a result of alcohol abuse, according to an American Addiction Centers poll.

CMH reports receiving a rising number of calls to its crisis line each month since March from callers needing help coping with stressors.

State offers free mental health services for Coloradans

Burnell said the center often receives 200 of these calls each week, and they fear the need is going to increase going into the winter holidays.

CMH asks Coloradans to be on the lookout for alcohol and substance abuse. Warning signs include needing to use more substances to achieve the same result, constantly worrying or regretting substance use and substance use impacting relationships or daily routines.

“When we start drinking more, it becomes our only coping tool, and then it starts to spiral out of control,” Burnell said. “Having more than one outlet for stress reduction is important.”

Anyone suffering from alcohol or substance abuse is asked to contact CMH for help at 970-252-3200 or online at centermh.org.

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