Quarantine leads to increased rates of drug dependency
Higher rates of alcohol and substance abuse were observed in populations that were quarantined during the SARS epidemic.
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Context
Periods of intense social isolation cause humans to become increasingly dependent on substances and alcohol.
The Argument
Alcohol and marijuana sales have spiked in the US over the quarantine period.[1]
As people look for ways to pass the time, alcohol and mind-altering substances are emerging as a popular purchase. However, alcohol and substances, coupled with the stress and anxiety of a global pandemic, social isolation and increased feelings of depression, creates an environment that can lead to substance and alcohol dependency.
Following the SARS outbreak in 2003, researchers found higher rates of alcohol and substance abuse in those that had been in self-imposed quarantined up to three years after the quarantine ended.
Counter arguments
Premises
[P1] Alcohol and substance abuse is often indicative of underlying mental health issues.
[P2] Quarantine leads to an increased likelihood of abusing alcohol and drugs.
[P3] Therefore, quarantine is bad for our mental health.