Challenges of Sustaining Alcohol Abstinence During COVID-19 among Recovering Alcoholics

Abstract

Background: COVID 19 lockdown thrown many challenges to medical services one of the most challenging parts is to assist people in alcohol addiction recovery. People in alcohol addiction recovery require support from abstaining from substance; the support consists of medical & therapeutic interventions and self-help groups. Abstinence-based problems, craving management, mental health comorbidities, handling uncertainty, coping with new challenges are the common areas where assistance from mental health professionals are expected.  Aim: To study the challenges of recovering alcoholics during the COVID-19.   Materials & methods: Semi-structured interview of recovering alcoholics taken by the researcher. A qualitative method was used. A total of 35 patients were interviewed according to consolidated criteria for reporting qualitative research (COREQ). Result: Covid 19 has affected mental health and has serious impacts on people. These interviewees shared their status of abstinence, difficulties in lockdown i.e., stress, anxiety, difficulties dealing with uncertainty, craving, isolation, work from home fatigue, fear for COVID 19 infection, etc. The interviews are explained that dealing with mental health comorbidities and no recovery meetings and fighting against other recovery challenges was difficult without assistance. Conclusion: During the pandemic, the people trying to maintain alcohol abstinence require holistic help. This paper attempts to underline the special needs of recovering alcoholics and the necessity to provide holistic professional help during the challenging COVID 19 pandemic period.