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Getting High and Black-Out Drunk
Experts baffled as to why adults are getting shit-faced post pandemic! (Study)
A recent study has revealed that adults between the age of 30 and 50 are smoking more pot and bingedrinking at higher rates than pre-pandemic.
First, we’ll take a look at the study that was published in the NY Times, and then we’ll explore potential reasons why adults between 30-50 are drinking at higher rates than usual.
A brief overview of the findings
In the wake of the pandemic, experts are scratching their heads over the noticeable surge in adults embracing excessive alcohol consumption, a phenomenon that has left many baffled. A recent study funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) has revealed a concerning uptick in binge drinking among adults aged 35 to 50 in the year 2022. This trend continues an upward trajectory that began in 2012 when 23 percent of adults in this age bracket reported binge drinking. Shockingly, the numbers have now climbed to nearly 30 percent in 2022, raising questions about the factors behind this surge.
Analysts point out that drug-use trends evolve over time, influenced by generational shifts, cultural changes, and even the legal status of various substances. According to Megan Patrick, a research professor at the University of Michigan, these trends are crucial to monitor as they can have significant implications for public health strategies. The study, known as “Monitoring the Future,” has been tracking drug use patterns among individuals throughout their lives, shedding light on the dynamic relationship between behavior and age.
The survey’s findings also indicate an unprecedented rise in marijuana usage among the same group, with 28 percent reporting consumption in 2022, compared to just 13 percent a decade earlier. Additionally, the prevalence of hallucinogen use doubled from the previous year. In a surprising twist, however, younger adults aged 19 to 30 displayed a drop in self-reported binge drinking rates, declining from 35.2 percent a decade ago to 30.5 percent in 2022.
As experts ponder over the reasons for these shifts, several factors come into play. The impact of the pandemic on mental health, economic uncertainties, and isolation has potentially pushed some individuals towards excessive alcohol consumption as a coping mechanism. Moreover, the newfound normalization of remote work and virtual socializing could be contributing to a blurring of boundaries between work and leisure, inadvertently promoting the idea that it’s acceptable to indulge in alcohol more frequently.
This study also raises broader questions about the potential impact of cultural changes on substance use behavior. The pandemic and its aftermath have undoubtedly reshaped societal norms, and understanding these changes is critical for effective intervention strategies. As the alcohol-related numbers continue to rise, experts grapple with crafting targeted approaches to address this issue and ensure that adults of all ages are equipped with accurate knowledge to make informed decisions regarding substance use.
The Pandemic Ruined People
The pandemic has brought to light a profound fracture in the human psyche, one that has been exacerbated by a series of unprecedented events. The very institutions that people once trusted and relied upon have shown themselves to be fallible, even untrustworthy. Leaders around the world frequently shifted the goalposts, veering between contradicting messages and outright falsehoods. This unsettling dance of misinformation eroded the public’s faith in their governments and their ability to protect their well-being.
This erosion of trust has created a fundamental insecurity within the collective consciousness. The psychological safety net that people had in the form of their institutions has been torn, leaving many adrift in a sea of uncertainty. Loneliness, job losses, isolation, and the tragic loss of loved ones all add to the mounting despair. This combination of factors brews a pervasive sense of hopelessness, gnawing at the very fabric of people’s resilience.
Compounding this bleak outlook is the rapid advancement of technology. Automation and artificial intelligence are making strides that render some people’s skills and jobs obsolete. The fear of losing one’s livelihood to a machine adds an extra layer of uncertainty to an already unstable world. The emergence of this brave new world has left many struggling to find a place in it.
Against this backdrop, the urge to escape reality through various means becomes understandable. The temptation to become “shit-faced” is more than just a craving for oblivion; it’s a response to the crushing weight of the world’s uncertainty. When daily life is a grind that offers little respite, it’s no surprise that some individuals turn to substances as a way to cope.
In a world where trust in institutions has waned, where job security is dwindling, and where the future seems ominous, the allure of momentarily escaping these overwhelming realities is strong. The pandemic has left people broken in more ways than one, and while there may not be a single solution to mend the fractures, understanding the complex web of factors driving individuals to seek solace in substances is an important step toward offering support and healing.
Don’t lose hope!
In this world it sometimes feel like we’re losing control and it becomes easy to seek solace in substances that offer temporary escape. But deep within you, there lies a wellspring of strength and potential waiting to be tapped. Now, more than ever, is the time to pause, reflect, and choose a path that leads to genuine fulfillment and empowerment.
Imagine a life where you no longer play by the rules others have set for you. A life where you wake up with purpose, eager to chase your dreams instead of escaping from reality. The world might be uncertain, but within you lies the power to shape your own destiny.
The first step is to set a goal, a target that ignites your passion and gives you direction. This could be anything – learning a new skill, starting a business, improving your health, or nurturing a talent. With a clear goal in sight, you shift from being a spectator to an active participant in your own life.
Instead of drowning your worries in alcohol or drugs, embrace life’s pleasures that don’t leave you numbed and disconnected. Take walks in nature and let the beauty of the world remind you of its magic. Engage in activities that make your heart race and bring joy – whether that’s indulging in your favorite hobbies, dancing like no one’s watching, or spending quality time with loved ones.
Yes, the future is uncertain, and fear can be overwhelming. But you have a choice – to succumb or to rise. The chaos around you is a canvas upon which you can paint your own story of courage and resilience.
Start with something simple yet immensely powerful – your breath. Take a few moments every day to calm your mind, breathe deeply, and find that quiet center within you. This small act can ground you, helping you navigate the storms with clarity and strength.
Physical activity is another anchor. Hit the gym, go for walks, move your body in ways that invigorate your spirit. The sense of achievement that comes from pushing your limits can empower you in unimaginable ways.
Discover what sets your soul on fire. Find a hobby, a passion, or a purpose that makes your heart race. Pursue it with relentless determination, for this is where you’ll find stability amidst the chaos. Remember, it’s not about the destination; it’s about the journey, the growth, and the transformation that occurs along the way.
In a world where fear and uncertainty abound, you can become a beacon of hope and strength. Embrace the challenges as opportunities for growth. With every obstacle you overcome, you build resilience and uncover untapped potential.
So, to the millions who have sought refuge in substances, I urge you to realize that your true power lies in facing life head-on. It’s time to shed the chains of escapism and embrace the exhilarating journey of self-discovery and growth. Choose life over numbness, courage over fear, and transformation over stagnation. The world is waiting for your light to shine, and the path to a fulfilling, empowered life begins with a single, intentional breath.
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