2020 was life-changing for just about everyone due to the pandemic. However, what didn't change is people still found ways to get drunk and/or high in 2020.
Despite a virus that affects the respiratory system, the pandemic didn't result in people cutting back on their substance abuse. There were plenty of anecdotal stories of people drinking more during the pandemic and using their government stimulus checks to "stock up" on booze and drugs. Politicians listed liquor stores and marijuana dispensaries as "essential businesses" that could stay open while shutting down churches and other establishments that also provide an "escape" without intoxication. I guess the virus doesn't spread where weed and booze are sold.
Also, what hasn't changed is impaired driving. Before the annual December "Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over" campaign, WI DOT released information that impaired driving fatalities were up 23% in 2020 - despite fewer drivers on the roadway. I woke up New Year's Day 2021 to read two stories about impaired driving in Wisconsin – a Waupaca County fatality and a 4th offense OWI arrest in Oshkosh. These were just two headlines in NE Wisconsin. There are many more "routine" alcohol and drug-impaired driving arrests that don't make headlines. It's baffling with all the media reports and pressure to not drive on New Year's Eve after consuming intoxicating substances, people will still operate under the influence and put their lives and other people's lives in danger.
2020 changed how Route 961 did things, but we're embracing the change, and we plan on rolling out new digital ideas. We plan on updating our website and feature our most popular topics. We are in the planning stages of a podcast. We plan on doing more webinars, including a drug trends webinar next month for UW-Oshkosh's Adolescent Health Symposium.
The old saying, "the more things change, the more they stay the same," definitely applies to substance abuse in 2020 and will continue into 2021. Thanks for following Route 961, and we can't wait to do more in 2021!