Holiday times may lead those who struggle with alcohol or drug abuse to relapse. | Stock Photo
Holiday times may lead those who struggle with alcohol or drug abuse to relapse. | Stock Photo
Partners of The Rural Communities Opioid Response Program (RCORP) are raising awareness for increased risks of suicide and serious injury during the holiday season, the Okanogan Valley Gazette-Tribune reported.
The annual uptick in suicide and serious injury during the holidays is due in large part to increased rates of alcohol consumption and depression that usually accompanies the holidays.
Feelings of grief and loss can become especially acute during festivities, which may lead those who struggle with alcohol or drug abuse to relapse, the report said. The CDC reports that the months with the highest rates of drug-and-alcohol-related deaths are December, January and March. Exasperating the problem this year is a decrease in social support for vulnerable individuals from friends and family as a result of social distancing.
According to the Opioid Response Program report, strategies for reducing suicide, accidental death, or substance use disorder (SUD) relapse include awareness of mental health support services and overdose prevention education.
Vulnerable residents can contact the Okanogan Behavioral HealthCare 24-hour crisis hotline by phone at 866-826-6191 or texting HELLO to 741741 to connect with a crisis counselor.
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