Addiction report from the state of Salzburg: pandemic is a major challenge for those with search disorders
According to the addiction report, the significant effects of the corona measures on mental health are proven by numerous national and international studies. Drug consumption and behavior with potential for addiction are also influenced. In addition to a one to 15 percent increase in alcohol, nicotine, sleeping pills or sedatives and cannabis consumption, a clear upward trend can be seen, especially in the area of computer game addiction with a plus of 32 percent.
Salzburg publishes search report
The state of Salzburg has the nun Addiction report published for 2020. “The current figures and data from the monitoring indicate a stable situation of the dependency problem. There are no new preparations or critical developments, “reports addiction officer Monika Parhammer and adds:” The number of clients who receive advice and treatment in the support system is, however, a disadvantage. Because of this, and because of the general increase in corona-related loads, there could be catch-up effects and an increased need for advice and treatment. “
“It is particularly important to me that low-threshold and free assistance is available throughout the state. By making use of the offers, a contribution to prevention as well as timely intervention and assistance can be made, ”said Deputy Governor Heinrich Schellhorn (Greens).
New addiction coordinator for Salzburg
For Schellhorn, the new addiction coordinator is the right choice in this important position: “I am happy that Monika Parhammer will die. In addition to the tried and tested offers, the focus will also be on new support services in the future. “
Keep affected persons in the auxiliary system
In the years 2016 to 2019, an average of around 2,450 people with mental illness or addiction problems were cared for; in 2020 the figure was 2,193. For Deputy Governor Schellhorn, it is “all the more important not to lose people and their relatives from our support network, but to keep them in our broad-based support system with more services. In Salzburg we have a close-knit network that can react to current problems. “
Treatments become more extensive
In general, the addiction report shows that the counseling and care cases have become more complex and time-consuming as a result of the pandemic. The entire family association had to be increasingly involved. There were therefore more acute crises due to massive conflicts and separations within the family. Another problem: Domestic violence occurred frequently and had to be dealt with in the care.
(Source: SALZBURG24)