Don’t use alcohol to cope with lockdown isolation

ALCOHOL abuse awareness group Drinkaware is encouraging the public to try and manage their time at home in lockdown or in self-isolation without resorting to alcohol.

Drinkaware CEO Sheena Horgan said the lockdown could lead to problem drinking as half of Irish adults cite ‘coping’ as motivation for their drinking.

“This pandemic is an uncertain time, and people are naturally worried about their own health and the health of their loved ones. We know that people often turn to alcohol as a way to deal with the stress and anxiety they are feeling. Half of Irish adults already report drinking alcohol to cope with problems and stress, and younger adults are more likely to use alcohol in this way. We are encouraging people to try some of our healthier strategies to manage these feelings to further reduce alcohol-related harm,” said Ms Horgan.

“As recent images and media stories have shown, many people are stocking up on alcohol. Drinking at home presents unique issues including often-unintended excessive drinking. We’re asking people to be especially mindful of their drinking and even explore their sober, curious side over the coming days and weeks, even if boredom is likely to set in for many of us.

“What we are facing right now is not about any of us alone, it’s about all of us. We must all do what we can to protect and support our communities and country, and that starts in our own homes,” Ms Horgan said.

Drinkaware has a number of suggestions as to how people might keep themselves occupied and combating loneliness.

They include listening to a podcast, reading a book or starting a DIY project you’ve been putting off.

Making sure to check in with friends and family as much as you can by phone, video, text and social media. Cook healthy meals, and take the extra time at home to try out a new recipe.

The scene on Sunday afternoon at the council’s bottle bank at the Beech Road car park in Killarney as the volume of home drinking continues to rise during isolation.