'It is a concern': The health impacts of the ongoing liquor strike

Limited hours and closed Manitoba Liquor Mart locations are a cause for concern for Manitobans who have alcohol dependencies.

Limited hours and closed Manitoba Liquor Mart locations are a cause for concern for Manitobans who have alcohol dependencies.

Since July - rolling strikes and lockouts have been happening at Manitoba Liquor Marts as Manitoba Liquor and Lotteries and the employees union battle over wages. But for people who have alcohol dependencies - the lack of accessibility has consequences.

Greg Kyllo, the executive director of Bruce Oake Recovery Centre, said the closures can lead people to learn they are dependent on alcohol.

"People can start to realize ‘Oh this is actually impacting my life. More significantly than I thought it might,'” Kyllo said.

One-third of the men at the facility are there seeking alcohol addiction support.

"Withdrawal from alcohol, you wouldn't think it's such a medical risk, but it's actually one of the most medically challenging withdrawals to go through.”

There's also the risk people will turn to other substances.