Many people are using alcohol and over-the-counter medication as a crutch to deal with Covid-19 and the current political crises in the country. More and more researchers are warning that the anxiety and fear associated with the Covid-19 pandemic, together with recent violence in the country as well as the economic fallout from these, will have a detrimental impact on mental health. This could lead to increased levels of depression and substance abuse. “People are struggling. Many people who are being admitted here are simply not coping. They feel overwhelmed and they turn to substances, mostly alcohol.” Riverview Manor psychologist, Andre Brink