Due to the months spent indoors due to the pandemic, a lot of people can relate to new habits brought on by loneliness or stress.
For some, it has been eating more or drinking more alcohol, and others have begun trying out substances such as marijuana.
A provider of addiction recovery resources and information, Recovery.org, polled 3,000 respondents and found that over 1 in 5 Texans, 22%, say they now have a more relaxed view towards recreational marijuana use after experiencing a year of lockdowns.
Being stuck inside has also resulted in many celebrities sharing their substance use during the pandemic: as a virtual guest on Jimmy Kimmel Live! in April 2020, Seth Rogen said he was smoking cannabis and doing pottery to get through lockdown days.
Although many activities were limited during lockdowns, some states such as California, Colorado, Illinois, Maryland, Oregon, New Jersey, and New York deemed cannabis dispensaries an essential service.
The survey also found 49% of respondents say that following the stress caused by the pandemic, they empathize more with those who turn to substances, such as cannabis, for relief.
With boredom, stress, and anxiety levels high, many may be tempted to turn to alcohol or other substances as a coping mechanism during the pandemic.
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The survey found that 38% of respondents believe more people will be influenced to try substances if famous people are open about their usage on social media platforms.
But, 48% also believe that celebrities being open about their substance use on their social media accounts is a good way to educate people about substance awareness. For example, singer and popstar, Demi Lovato, is well-known for being open about her substance addiction, which continued for a prolonged period before she sought help.
To read the full report, click here.