The binging population is of particular concern. “This is a huge problem, driven by people in their 30s and 40s,” Saab told Medscape Medical News. “It’s fascinating; with each subsequent generation, risk behavior increases. Nobody seems to know why that is. Different parenting, different life stressors, social media? Things have changed.”
In the 25- to 34-year age group, death from liver cirrhosis increased 10.5% from 2009 to 2016, according to data from the ACCELERATE-AH consortium, which is looking at alcohol use by patients before and after liver transplantation, as reported by Medscape Medical News.
Alcohol Abuse Agitated by COVID-19 Stirring Liver Concerns
Read the entire article at the link above.
This was a really interesting article. It covered several important issues. From the need for liver transplants at a younger age, to alcohol being considered an essential commodity and delivered to your doorstep, to AA support groups.
As a member of AA since 1977, I can definitely relate. Online zoom meetings are not the same. My home group has an online meeting weekday mornings. I have yet to go to it. Instead I meet in person with 2 to 4 regulars outside in a park sitting on beach chairs 6 to 10 feet apart. I can handle the occasional day with bad weather. If we had more than a couple of days that prevented us from eating outside, then I will go to the zoom meetings. But for all the reasons mentioned in this article, I need the in person support.
AA is a unique concept. In that one paragraph where he describes the 8 to 10 things necessary for working the program, he really was spot on. When people are actively working the program, the steps, and connecting, relapse is so much less common. And I’m sure this pandemic is going to throw many people over the edge.
Before this is over many people will be tossed over the edge. Glad you liked the article link. Stay safe. Stay strong. Stay sober!