While vaccines, boosters and new treatments have made it possible to see the light at the end of the tunnel, the psychological effects of the COVID-19 pandemic are still being felt by many people. With a rise in anxiety, stress and isolation from friends, family and co-workers, nearly one-third of people in the United States who drink alcohol have increased their consumption since the pandemic began, while nearly 30 percent who use drugs reported an increase in that activity.

“We’re definitely seeing an increase in not only substance abuse and treatment, but mental health and suicide rates have skyrocketed,” said Dori Haddock, program director at the CHI St. Vincent Addiction Recovery Program.



Alcohol and drug abuse may be the most easily understandable addictions for many people, but there are many other potential pitfalls to recognize.

“Eating, shopping, pornography, video games, we’re seeing a huge thing with video games and our youth,” Haddock said.

Family and friends are often the first to notice signs of addiction in someone, which can lead to misconceptions and unnecessary conflict if the addiction is not properly understood. The most important thing to remember is there is no magic switch for turning off an addiction. It is a disease unlike any other.

“What people have to remember is that underneath the symptoms of this disease is a person; a human that you remember as a person before they started using,” said Haddock. “That’s where family and friends remember that person and want to know how they get back to that.”

In partnership with Bradford Health Services, the CHI St. Vincent Addiction Recovery Program provides premium, confidential treatment in settings designed to be welcoming and restoring. Haddock and our staff of trained professionals look to best-in-class medical and clinical research and incorporate proven 12-Step principles to provide superior care. Learn more at: chistvincent.com/addictionrecovery