COVID has increased alcohol abuse, and unprecedented times are here.
When the COVID-19 pandemic struck in early 2019, we had no clue of its scope or duration.
As millions lost employment, security, and loved ones, many resorted to drinking to soothe grief, boredom, or worry – alarming evidence proves it.
Excessive alcohol use weakens the immune system, producing inflammation and infection. Alcohol abuse is extremely dangerous during this period because it destroys lung epithelial cells, which causes acute respiratory distress syndrome.
Alcohol interacts negatively with prescription medicines, poor sleep, and dehydration. Plus, it impairs memory, balance, and logical thinking, which are crucial for safety.
Overall alcohol consumption rose 14% from 2019 to 2020, according to sociologist Michael S. Pollard, Ph.D. Women’s alcohol consumption rose 17% year over year. During the pandemic, women’s excessive drinking has risen 41%.
One in 10 women who participated in the poll reported an increase in alcohol-related difficulties, validating health authorities’ fears about increasing alcohol misuse during the COVID epidemic.
As the alcohol wears off, anxiety and worry might return and intensify.
Chronic drinking may increase the brain’s stress response. Alcohol may seem like a simple method to deal with pandemic worry and anxiety, but it may worsen these emotions, leading to further drinking.
Alcohol usage has become a joke on social media as a way to cope with the epidemic.
“The traditional concept that drinking helps solve difficulties is discouraging,” Dr. Mariann Piano told the American Heart Association. “One drink is OK. But I worry when drinking becomes habitual. Regularly practice non-alcoholic coping mechanisms. Exercising, reading, cooking, and meditation may keep you healthy and distracted from the epidemic.
Many of us who work from home and isolate ourselves are prone to loneliness and boredom, which may lead to excessive drinking.
This is particularly true for people who abused alcohol before COVID. Despite the difficulties, therapy and recovery are achievable.
Many treatment and rehabilitation institutions now offer virtual programs through video conferences. Alcoholics Anonymous maintains a free database of online meetings worldwide, including video conferences and email or chat rooms.
Skyward Treatment near Dallas, Texas offers online individual and group addiction therapy.
Get one-on-one and group therapy for community support today and change your lives for the better.
Call us today for more information.