Substance Abuse Following a Disaster

             It has been more than a year since the flood waters rose in the Flood of 2008, and most people are still dealing with the effects of the disaster today. It’s common after disasters such as the Flood of 2008 for people to experience extreme stress and to turn to substances to help cope with feelings of loss, despair and anger.

            Studies show that substance abuse issues may not surface for a year or more after the event (Stewart, 2002) and that those issues can vary from minor to very severe. Disasters like the flood can activate pre-existing Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) conditions or increase levels of anxiety to dangerous points. For people who are recovering from addiction, the chance of relapse after a disaster increases drastically. It is vital for communities to offer support and resources to assist with this stage of disaster recovery, just like they offered services immediately following the disaster. By supporting victims of disaster on a long-term basis, we can ensure that our community successfully returns to its pre-disaster state, and with luck, we can make the community even better.

            If you or someone you know was affected by the Flood of 2008 and has since started abusing alcohol or other drugs, it’s important to know that there are resources available to help people cope. 

Iowa Concern Hotline: The Iowa Department of Public Health has established a 24/7 hotline number to offer free, confidential advice to victims of the flood of 2008. Call 1-800-447-1985 for referrals, questions and concerns you may have.