Pandemic-related stress and isolation driving more in Hong Kong to drink, say counsellors, addiction centres

It took determination, self-discipline and weekly support group meetings for Sam* to beat a 20-year dependency on alcohol, and he succeeded in keeping the old cravings at bay for more than three years.Then the coronavirus pandemic arrived and he found himself home alone and isolated, unable to join other recovering alcoholics at meetings where they encouraged one another to stay strong in fighting their habit.One day in April, he passed out at home after downing several beers.Sam, a 40-year-old…

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