The Truth About Why Liquor Stores Are Still Open

For the last two weeks at exactly 5 pm I get out my computer and log into a local news station. As a proud Kentuckian, I eagerly await my instructions from our Governer. He calmly and effectively tells me about the condition of our state and the efforts we are putting forth to fight the Coronavirus. I feel confident that we are aggressively attacking this threat. I understand that day by day a new business must close, a service must end, and our ability to find things to do outside of our home will be limited.

In a recent conference, the media asked the question “Why are liquor stores able to remain open if they are not an essential business?” As always, Governor Beshear answered calmly, smoothly, and honestly. He said that all food and beverage were remaining open and that we don’t want to “increase anxiety” at this time.

While I do believe that our governor was correct in that we don’t want to “increase anxiety” I predict that he also knows the truth. He is surrounded by smart doctors and other health professionals who know more about the story of alcohol. Alcohol is the most dangerous drug. So dangerous that if an addicted person tries to abruptly stop using they are at risk for death. A person could develop a fever, have seizures, and even experience hallucinations. The detox can be brutal and in many cases must be done under the supervision of a medical professional. If liquor stores close people could die. (It’s important to note that it is not as dangerous to wean from most other drugs.)

It’s also true that if the liquor stores closed that it would “increase anxiety.” Since the start of the virus, I have seen a major increase in the amount of drinking posts, memes, and comments on social media, news, shows, etc. It’s apparent that we lean on alcohol to help us cope, survive, and aid us in everything from getting along with our family members to mowing our lawn.

Despite that many of us say that we are in no way “addicted” to alcohol we sure do seem dependent on having it. We have made it very clear that we need it to get us through hard times. I know for sure that alcohol would have been my number one go-to if not for sobriety.

I can’t help but wonder how many people might be forced to take a long hard look at their own use if they were in a position where they could not get their hands on the one thing that they use to cope? I wonder if we might be more compassionate and understanding of how those who are addicted found themselves in that situation to begin with? I wonder if we might stop laughing at how funny it is about how much we drink? I wonder if we might feel concerned that people die if they stop using this substance because that’s how powerful, dangerous, and damaging it is to every system in our bodies?

I think many of us are too scared to take a look at our alcohol use because we are afraid of what we might find. We think that if we assess our use we might have to quit and that’s scary. We also don’t want to be considered an “alcoholic.” When I learned about the damage that alcohol causes I was in shock! There is no shame in becoming dependent on, addicted to, and reliant upon the most addictive substance that is glamorized and sold as being safe and healthy. It’s more harmful than cocaine and yet, I really doubt we would be popping on our bible study zoom calls snorting lines. No one would think that’s acceptable.

We’ve been duped. If we closed the liquor stores we would be facing the truth about another massive health crisis and I’m thinking that now is not the time for that.

If you’re thinking that you’re ready to learn more about the role alcohol plays in our culture I am hosting a virtual book club of Quit Like A Woman. Join here.