DRINKING MORE? YOU’RE NOT ALONE
STRESS, ANXIETY
Alcohol and coronavirus have been entwined since January. First, there was the confusion surrounding Corona beer and the name of the group of viruses. Then came lockdown, spawning a spate of “quarantinis” (including, famously, Ina Garten’s massive Cosmo, which has been viewed three million times on Instagram), online beer pong and virtual happy hours. And, seemingly simultaneously, a wave of alcohol-related COVID-19 misinformation.
The myths are prevalent enough, and potentially damaging enough, that the World Health Organization released a six-page missive on alcohol consumption and COVID-19. The takeaway: “Under no circumstances should you drink any type of alcoholic product as a means of preventing or treating COVID-19 infection.”
Canadians have been drinking more since they started social distancing, according to a Nanos poll commissioned by the Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction. One-quarter of Canadians aged 35 to 54, and one-fifth aged 18 to 34 say they have increased their alcohol consumption, while 10 per cent over 54 report more frequent drinking.
Stress and anxiety can lead to increased substance use, said Rita Notarandrea, CEO of the addiction centre. As can blurred lines between work and downtime, and workdays and weekends. “Disrupted routine may be accompanied by loneliness and anxiety about the current situation,” said Catherine Paradis, senior research and policy analyst at CCSA. “With the possibility that people are stocking up and there is more alcohol in the home than usual, some might drink more than they typically do.”
Canadians drinking their way through the pandemic are far from alone. Alcohol consumption has soared in many parts of the world — and the uptick has some experts concerned that misinformation is playing a role.
Addressing several myths that have been circulating, the WHO counters each of them in its fact sheet. “Consuming alcohol will not destroy the virus,” it states. As other health authorities have similarly emphasized, drinking alcohol can actually weaken the immune system, making you more vulnerable to illness.
The WHO also dispels misconceptions around drinking and stress relief. While you might pour a glass of wine thinking it will help you relax, alcohol is known to amplify symptoms of anxiety, depression and other mental disorders.
To help Canadians manage stress, anxiety and substance use during lockdown, the CCSA recently partnered with the Mental Health Commission of Canada to illuminate healthy coping strategies. From staying active, finding balance and being kind to yourself to using a soothing breathing exercise whenever you feel overwhelmed, it features advice that can help ease tension.