Effective tips to cope with alcohol withdrawal during lockdown

IS THE thought of your rapidly dwindling supply of booze sending you into a panic attack? Your anxiety isn’t unfounded.

Just last week Google saw a 500% spike on searches on the alcohol ban and home-made booze recipes.

But if you consume two to three drinks a day, you’re unlikely to experience severe withdrawal symptoms, says Dr Lize Weich, the convener of the Substance Abuse Special Interest Group of the SA Society of Psychiatrists (Sasop).

Weich said, however, some people might experience “some subjective discomfort”.

“The threat of a pandemic of a potentially fatal illness and its effects on the economy may increase stress, anxiety and depression rates. “Some people will use substances like alcohol to try to cope, but there are healthier coping strategies,” she said. Weich said it was best to mentally prepare for “day-zero” by cutting down on daily consumption to make stocks last and seeing the situation in a positive light.

“There is much to be gained from an alcohol-free few weeks – less calories consumed to compensate for not being able to exercise as before, saving money and improving general health and immunity.

“We live in a rushed society, with lots of stressors and demands, and many people get into a habit of using substances like alcohol to cope, to obtain chemical relief from all the stress.

“Now may be the perfect time to develop skills to cope with these stressors in a healthier way.”

Weich suggested strategies such as mindfulness, meditation, home-based exercise and healthy distractions like hobbies and reading, or learning a new skill, and drawing on the wealth of online resources for how-to and self-help.

“The lockdown and threat of infection is a good motivator to improve overall health. Most people would want their lungs, airways and immune system to be functioning optimally amid the threat of Covid19 infection, and avoiding or reducing alcohol and tobacco intake can potentially aid in this.”

While studies had shown that mild alcohol use – two standard drinks a day for men and one for women – could be associated with lower risk of vascular disease such as heart attack and stroke, the harm of alcohol use follows a steep “J curve”. That means it rapidly increases its damaging effects and potential for increased health problems and mortality.

For those who experience significant withdrawal symptoms – such as increased anxiety, difficulty sleeping, physical symptoms like tremors, headaches, sweating or nausea, or more severe effects such as hallucinations or seizures, Weich advised consulting a medical practitioner or using online medical help resources.

More info: Alcoholics Anonymous SA: 24/7 Helpline 0861435722. For a list of online AA meetings, see https://www. aasouthafrica.org.za/Meetings.aspx.

SA Depression and Anxiety Group 24/7 Helplines: 0800212223 or 0800 70 80 90. Sadag WhatsApp support (9am-4pm): 076 882 2775/ or SMS 31393 or 32312 and a counsellor will call you back.

Department of Social Development Substance Abuse Line 24-hour helpline: 0800121314 or SMS 32312.