The last couple of months have been difficult for everyone. The outbreak and spread of Coronavirus (COVID-19) has seen many countries around the world placed on lockdown. This has meant businesses have had to close, people have lost their jobs and at a time when we need more support than ever before, we’re not even allowed to see our loved ones.
Unsurprisingly, a quarter of Canadians aged between 35 and 44 have increased their alcohol consumption during the pandemic. What exactly is driving alcohol sales and consumption at the moment, however?
There are a number of reasons why we may be tempted to increase our alcohol consumption during COVID-19 and this is something which could even be affecting people who haven’t previously struggled with alcohol abuse.
- The uncertainty surrounding Coronavirus, how long lockdown will last, and how it will impact us in the long-term.
- Loneliness because many of us can’t go to work or see friends and family. It can be especially difficult for those who live alone.
- To cope with heightened anxiety, stress, and other mental health conditions.
- For those who have previously struggled with alcohol addiction, Coronavirus could cause a relapse.
- Not having to get up early for work or other commitments can make us inclined to drink more than we usually would.
- It’s easy to consume more at home without even realizing it because you’re pouring your own drinks (probably without measuring) and don’t have to pay each time. This makes it easy to lose track of how much you’ve had.
- If you’re adopting unhealthy drinking behaviors, there’s nobody to stop you (especially if you live alone).
What to do if you’re drinking too much during the quarantine
Keep track of how much you’re drinking
Take the guesswork out of pouring by getting a measuring cup or even weighing with a food scale. You can then be more accurate when you pour your drink and this will also enable you to keep track of how much you’re consuming.
You can also cut down by using smaller glasses. A 250ml measure is a third of a bottle of wine for example. This means that after three glasses, you will have consumed an entire bottle, possibly without even realizing. Drinking from a smaller glass makes you more aware of how much you’re drinking and means you’re less likely to over-consume.
Have alcohol-free days
When you allocate certain days of the week to go alcohol-free, you’re more likely to stick to it. Challenge yourself to come up with other activities at home instead of drinking in the evenings or at weekends.
Keep busy
Do all the things you’ve been putting off because you don’t normally have time. This will stop you from drinking out of boredom. You can bake, cook, read a book, listen to a podcast, exercise, play games, try arts and crafts, watch a box set, do DIY, sign up to a virtual course, learn a new skill or throw yourself into work.
Address what’s causing you to drink more
From the list above, tick off what’s a trigger for you. If it’s boredom, for example, try some of the tips mentioned above. If it’s a more serious problem such as mental health issues or you’re very lonely, remember to talk to your loved ones and seek help from a professional.
Stay connected
Just because you can’t see people face-to-face, it doesn’t mean you can’t stay connected. Social media, text messages, phone calls, WhatsApp, and video calls via sites like Zoom make it easy to stay in touch with friends and family even when you can’t see them.
Try to commit to weekly sessions because this will give you something to look forward to.
Have remote sessions with a counsellor
If you have an alcohol use disorder (AUD), it’s very important to seek professional help. If you’re already in rehab, keeping up with your sessions is more important than ever. Until face-to-face interactions are allowed once again, most counsellors are offering virtual sessions over the phone or via video conferencing platforms such as Skype and Zoom.
Get professional advice
If you’re struggling with alcoholism or problem drinking during Coronavirus, please get in touch with Toronto Trauma Addiction Counselling and we will be able to help get you through this difficult time.
