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If your answer is yes, you’re not alone. With many states considering liquor stores essential businesses, allowing home deliveries and take-out cocktails, alcohol use is on the rise.
We’ve been conducting on-going research on alcohol consumption with respect to COVID-19. We are looking at its impact in both the general public and on individuals trying to change their drinking, and over half of our respondents to date have reported an increase in their drinking. The reasons given included losing a job, fear of getting the virus, boredom, no access to a gym or other healthy coping skills, having to postpone a big event, not being able to have elective surgery and more. The lack of structured time and routines like commuting to work may loosen boundaries of when it is okay to drink and how much one may choose to consume.
On the flip side, others may have limited or no access to alcohol due to assorted quarantine restrictions or closings. For some, this can be life-threatening. Withdrawal symptoms can lead to seizures and even loss of life for heavy drinkers. Any thoughts of detoxing should be done under medical supervision, whether on an inpatient or outpatient basis.
Alcohol is also known to decrease a person’s immune system health, potentially increasing susceptibility to COVID-19.
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