The Healthcare industry has spent the past 15 months focused on the pandemic. Now that there is a light at the end of the tunnel, we need to address another epidemic growing inside this pandemic, alcohol and drug abuse. The stress and anxiety, combined with the social restrictions caused by the pandemic, is causing many people to increase their alcohol intake and turn to drugs to find relief.

Healthcare providers will need to begin having tough conversations with their patients as they seek medical help for symptoms that may be brought on by excess drinking and/or drugs. Those with previous mental health issues are especially at risk of alcohol and drug abuse. Unfortunately, the relief they are seeking by using alcohol and drugs does not last and the stress, anxiety, and other mental health issues are still there when they sober up.

Another concern among those in the health care industry is healthcare professionals turning to alcohol and drugs to find relief from all the stress they have been under during this pandemic. Healthcare professionals have spent long hours under extremely stressful situations over the past year and their work exposure and potential access to drugs places them at high risk for drug abuse.

Healthcare workers at all levels will need to remind themselves of the signs and symptoms of both alcohol and drug abuse and watch for those signs in each other as well as their patients. Healthcare providers should take a proactive approach by sending alcohol and drug abuse prevention information to their patients through their social media accounts and add questions regarding any alcohol or drug intake to their screening questionnaires to give their patients an opportunity to safely admit their use.

Reaching Out to Patients to Prevent Alcohol and Drug Abuse

  • Use Social Media Posts
    • Dangers of alcohol and drug abuse
    • Signs and symptoms of alcohol and drug abuse
    • List alcohol and drug abuse support agencies

 

  • Appointment Opportunities
    • Pre-screening questionnaires prior to appointment
    • Discuss alcohol and drug use with patients in a non-judgmental manner
    • Consider symptoms and whether excessive alcohol use and/or drugs could be the cause

 

Genesis Medical Management is thankful for all the healthcare providers and everything they have done for their communities during this pandemic. We are also ready to help support our healthcare industry partners in any way we can, don’t hesitate to contact us.

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Contact Us

[email protected]

(661) 412-9520

4225 E. Windrose Dr., Suite 300
Phoenix, AZ 85032.

© 2024 Genesis Medical Management All Rights Reserved. Powered & Designed by Citryn, LLC

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Contact Us

[email protected]

(661) 412-9520

4225 E. Windrose Dr., Suite 300
Phoenix, AZ 85032.

© 2024 Genesis Medical Management All Rights Reserved. Powered & Designed by Citryn, LLC