According to a 2019 National Institute of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism report, 14.5 million people ages 12 and older suffer from Alcohol Use Disorder. Twenty-five percent of people ages 18 and older engaged in binge drinking at least once in the past month. Alcohol addiction in Palm Springs has escalated, affecting both individuals and the community.
The Universal Appeal of Palm Springs
Palm Springs is a city well-known for its appeal to those seeking a sun-drenched vacation or place to call home. Located just a short drive from Los Angeles, its location is easy to reach by plane or car. Considered the golf capital of the world, golf lovers will find a host of courses on which to test their skills. Tennis fans can also find plenty of places to play a game or two.
Starting in the 1930s, Hollywood royalty began to flock to Palm Springs for private getaways. The town became known for offering a safe haven for stars who craved time away from the salacious gossip mongers of the time. Even in current times, many infamous people escape to Palm Springs to enjoy a vacation or indulge in a partying lifestyle.
Palm Springs offers access to the beauty of the desert, as well as close proximity to the California coastline. It also is near many parks and forests, including the Joshua Tree National Park. The popular sunny weather that pervades Southern California throughout the year draws many people who are looking to shake off the cold.
The Pandemic Has Contributed to a Rise in Alcohol Addiction
The COVID-19 era has caused an increase in the misuse and abuse of alcohol. Alcohol addiction in Palm Springs has not escaped this crisis. Coping with the stress of living through the social and medical crisis of a pandemic contributed to excessive binge drinking. Those who struggle with an addiction to alcohol may find it easier to hide when they are practicing social distancing.
Millions of people have spent an increased amount of time over the past year staying at home. Some have experienced unemployment or working from home. Others have had to stay home to supervise children who are now distance learning or in order to protect their health. Whatever the reason for being home, often alone, for long periods of time, it can lead to a reliance on or addiction to alcohol.
The Los Angeles Times reports that shortly into the beginning of the pandemic last year, rates of alcohol consumption rose 14%. Drinkers also consumed nearly 30% more than they had before the pandemic began. Sadly, even people who were already in recovery for alcohol addiction have found the stress of the last year has contributed to relapse. All of these modern occurrences have contributed to a rise in alcohol addiction in Palm Springs.
How the Media and Society Romanticize Heavy Drinking in California
Life in California has long been represented as one long party. Marketing campaigns and entertainment industries such as television and film portray it as the place to relax and indulge yourself. Multiple choices for fun activities are often accompanied by the use or abuse of alcohol.
Advertising reminds tourists that no day of sunbathing at the beach is complete without a frozen alcoholic beverage. It promotes relaxing in a desert oasis with a refreshing cold beer. Nightlife, such as dancing or dining out at any of the popular restaurants and hotspots in Southern California, often invokes a binge-drinking spree. All of this contributes to how alcohol addiction in Palm Springs has long been a real problem.
Many residents and tourists in Palm Springs take advantage of the fact that Mexico is a short drive away. Inexpensive alcohol and a wide choice of new, exotic places to throw back drinks offer quite the temptation.
Reopening of Bars and Restaurants May Affect Alcohol Addiction in Palm Springs
Many people mourned the loss of their favorite restaurant or bar that closed down during the pandemic. As the coronavirus vaccine becomes more prevalent, many businesses are now beginning to reopen. Those who do not have an addiction to alcohol see this only as good news.
For those who binge drink or suffer from Alcohol Use Disorder, this development may prove problematic. What might previously be seen as overindulgent consumption of alcohol in a bar or restaurant might soon be seen as someone just cutting loose. Many people will use the excuse of being able to go out and socialize again as an excuse to drink to excess. For those dealing with alcohol addiction, this smokescreen can exacerbate their problem.
Treatment for Alcohol Addiction in Palm Springs
California Behavioral Health knows the Palm Springs community because we are located here. We offer a beautiful location in Southern California to begin your journey of recovery from alcohol addiction. We also treat drug addiction and co-occurring mental health disorders.
We don’t believe that a one-size-fits-all treatment plan for alcohol addiction exists. We personalize a treatment plan for each one of our clients, ensuring you get an achievable plan for long-term recovery. We offer medication assisted-treatment, detoxification, and holistic approaches. Contact us today to find out how our residential program can help you restart your life.
