Is the pandemic rise in alcohol use casual or concerning?

The purchase and consumption of alcohol has increased significantly in the U.S. during the COVID-19 pandemic. Alcoholic beverage sales rose 55% in the week ending March 21, which was the first week many stay-at-home orders were put in place.

In fact, 16% of adults say they’re drinking more during the pandemic, according to poll results. This is a troubling trend as it relates to the mental and physical health of Americans.

Howmuch is toomuch?

According to the DietaryGuidelines for Americans, moderate alcohol consumption is defined as up to one drink per day forwomen and up to two drinks per day for men, although an advisory committee recently recommendedmen might want to stop at one aswell. A drink is defined as:

• 1.5 ounces or a “shot” of 80-proof (40% alcohol content) distilled spirits or liquor.

• 5 ounces of wine (12% alcohol content).

• 8 ounces ofmalt liquor (7% alcohol content).

• 12 ounces of beer (5% alcohol content).

Finding healthy ways to cope with stress

Many people turn to alcohol to deal with stress because it temporarily boosts feel-good chemicals in the brain like serotonin and endorphins. However, heavy drinking can increase anxiety, especially for those predisposed to anxiety disorders. Excessive alcohol use can also result in negative physical outcomes such as hangovers, blackouts and even liver damage with extended use.

It’s important to address the root cause of chronic stress by seeking help fromamental health professional, but a few healthy ways to unwind include:

• Exercise.

• Hobbies such as music or reading.

• Meditation.

• Talking to a friend, partner or loved one. art, crafts,

Identifying bad habits

Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a treatable, chronic disease. Meeting two of the below criteriawithin the same 12-month period would merit a diagnosis of AUD, according to the “Diagnostic and StatisticalManual

ofMental Disorders.”

• Continuing to use alcohol despite negative social problems caused by alcohol use.

• Continuing to use alcohol despite psychological or physical problems likely due to alcohol use.

• Cravings to use alcohol.

• Giving up activities you’d previously enjoyed due to alcohol use.

• Inability to cut down on alcohol use despite wanting to.

• Interference in fulfillingwork, home or school obligations.

• Needing to drink increasingly large quantities to feel similar effects.

• Spending a lot of time recovering from alcohol’s effects.

• Symptoms of withdrawal when alcohol is not being used.

• Using alcohol in physically dangerous situations, such as driving.

• Using more alcohol than intended.

How to get help

Help is available for those concerned about their drinking habits. Talking to a primary care physician is a good first step in assessing whether alcohol consumption is problematic and for referrals to additional treatment, if necessary.

Individuals without a primary care doctor can call the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s national helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357) for support and assistance.