Leading health campaigners express concerns over potential rise in ‘harmful drinking’ during pandemic
Leading health campaigners have raised concerns the Covid-19 pandemic will lead to increased problem drinking in Scotland.
The new Scottish Health Action on Alcohol Problems (SHAAP) guidance points out that alcohol continues to be marketed in shops, in the media and on the internet and that suppliers will make home deliveries during the current crisis.
It suggests the fact that alcohol may no longer be consumed in public places, increases risks related to home drinking, where alcohol is cheaper, compounded by the stress the current situation is causing. Use of other substances, including tobacco, will add to their risks of health and other harms.
Alcohol withdrawal is a common reason for emergency admission to hospitals in Scotland, in particular in the acute sector.
SHAAP’S guidance also provides advice for heavy drinkers on cutting back or stopping drinking alcohol, which includes the aim of reducing these presentations.
Dr Eric Carlin, SHAAP Director, said: “The scale of the current public health emergency is hard to contemplate.
“For many people who are recovering from alcoholrelated problems, the risks of relapse are huge.
“I hope that they will follow official advice in relation to reducing risks of Covid- 19 infection and also that they will go online to use the alcohol recovery support networks that are there.”
The campaigners recognise that health and related services will be severely stretched and their guidance is intended to support and not to contradict or replicate any local contingency plans that are in place.
SHAAP Chair, Dr Peter Rice, said: “Alcohol causes major challenges in Scotland and this continues in the Covid-19 pandemic. “Scottish Health Action on Alcohol problems is proud to be part of the progressive Scottish approach to tackling alcohol harm and we hope this advice is helpful to people in the current difficult situation.”
“We are proud to be working with the teams on this initiative to help donated items reach those most in need”
JOSH LITTLEJOHN