A Little Party Never Killed Nobody...Right?
By Mary Claire Schibelka, LPC
Around this time every year, young adults pack their bags and head off to college for nine months of research, writing, and unsupervised fun. Of course, this year is different. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many universities have decided to hold classes remotely, thus limiting opportunities for any kind of hanging out on campus. Similarly, nightlife, live music events, and Chicago’s well-known street festivals have all been put on hold.
The party scene has taken a hit this year. Meeting in groups is discouraged. Nevertheless, young people, much like those of the Prohibition Era, have found ways to work around restrictions. Now that bars are closed, house parties are making a rise.
Health officials are worried about the spread of COVID-19 among these modern-day speakeasies, but the virus itself isn’t the only thing to fear. Another danger is in our midst, and quarantine is only making it worse.
Substance abuse has always been an issue. Opium, the ancient cousin of today’s heroin, has recorded use dating as far back as 10,000 years ago. Psychedelics were big in the 60s, cocaine in the 80s, and today, painkillers are the third most commonly-used drug by Millennials, following alcohol and cannabis. Cocaine use, too, is the highest it’s been in a decade.
Substance abuse causes more deaths per year than any other preventable health condition. One in four deaths is attributable to either alcohol, nicotine, or legal/illegal narcotics. The opioid epidemic has received recent attention. Synthetic narcotics (mainly fentanyl) are responsible for the majority of drug overdoses in America. Prescription opioids and cocaine nearly tie, with only a 309 person difference, for second place. Alcohol-related deaths top all three combined.
As policy makers try to stop the spread of COVID-19, rates of substance use continue to rise. Alcohol sales have seen a 250% increase since March. Overdose rates are surging.
It makes sense. In a time of crisis, drugs and alcohol provide temporary relief. Isolation during quarantine can worsen anxiety and depression, both risk factors for substance abuse.
House parties present another set of risks because none of the protective measures taken in bars are in place. There is no bartender who can cut you off when you’ve had too much to drink and no security staff who can call for emergency help if needed. Drugs can be used with less restriction.
Working with young adults means having a lot of conversations about alcohol and drugs. I am often asked if I pass judgment on those who abuse them. The short answer is “no”. The long answer starts with, “...but I am concerned.”
The world of mind-altering substances is complex. Different substances have different effects on different people. Certain kinds produce greater risks than others according to different amounts. Psychoactive substances have cultural and historical roots and can be life-enhancing when used appropriately. They can also be deadly.
Grazia, a UK pop culture and lifestyle magazine, interviewed Millennial women who practice healthy lifestyles overall but admit to using cocaine on the weekends. These women stated that they feel cocaine is relatively harmless because it can be done in small amounts, which feels easy to excuse, and does not have any calories.
The popularity of a substance has an impact on its perceived risk. Popular drugs lend themselves to the “everybody’s doing it” mentality. If everyone’s doing it, it must be okay. The problem with this logic is that the popularity of a drug is more indicative of one’s environment than of the drug itself.
Mac Miller’s 2018 death drew attention to the danger of impure substances after he overdosed on oxycodone laced with fentanyl. An investigation revealed that the rapper purchased the counterfeit pills along with cocaine and Xanax. Many were concerned that if Mac Miller, famous and likely to buy from only the “best” dealers, could purchase laced drugs, so could they.
These things must be considered when one is deciding whether or not to try any particular drug. Even caffeine can have startling effects. I encourage all my clients to be mindful of what they choose to put in their bodies, even if the truth is scary.
When it comes to drugs and alcohol, consider me a harm-reductionist. While I don’t necessarily advocate for complete abstinence, I encourage clients to do a thorough amount of quality research on drugs of interest and ask themselves the following questions:
Values
How does using this substance align with your morals?
Do you have any spiritual or religious beliefs about using this substance?
Education
What possible benefits does this substance present?
What risks?
What are the side effects?
What are your sources of information?
Safety
How are you getting the substance?
How do you know its purity (testing kit, alcohol % on bottle)?
In what circumstances are you using it (environment, safety measures, designated driver)?
How much are you ingesting?
Patterns
How often do you use the substance?
How much control do you have over your use?
What have your past experiences with the substance been like?
Do you notice any external factors that impact your use (stress, life transitions, triggers)?
Since the 2013 edition of The Great Gatsby, the phrase “A Little Party Never Killed Nobody”- originally the lyrics to a soundtrack title by Fergie- has risen to fame. I encourage 2020 party goers to question this. Parties can be great. Fun is so important. But it is never worth your life. To turn a blind eye to the dangers of chemical substances, is to do ourselves, our loved ones, and those personally affected by substance abuse a disservice.
Party responsibly- alcohol, drugs, and Coronavirus considered.