The COVID-19 pandemic continues, and lockdown persists. With more than a month already in quarantine, some people are looking for ways to pass the time and distract themselves as best they can. While some individuals choose to exercise at home, others take the opportunity to catch up on those series they have been watching on their movie subscription services and other digital formats. Not to mention those with young children who often have to find creative ways to keep the children distracted and calm after so many days confined together at home.
While all these options could be considered healthy, there are others during these times of lockdown that are not so much. Some people have found in alcohol a companion to make these weeks more pleasant. Consumed with moderation and restraint, alcohol consumption does not necessarily pose risks. The problem arises when a person abuses this substance to the point of being unable to control their impulses to consume it. A trend that has been observed since lockdown began is how some people are abusing alcohol with the risk of falling into an addiction.
Lockdown and Alcohol
According to official data, beer purchases in Spain increased by 78% in the first two weeks of quarantine. It is the product that grew the most when shopping at the supermarket. One reason that may explain this increase in beer and alcohol consumption in general is the isolation situation caused by lockdown. Many people feel alone and cut off from the world and turn to alcohol to better pass the time. The anxiety generated by the current situation is also an important factor explaining this trend. In this regard, the government issued a statement to warn about this fact.
Another factor illustrating what is happening is found in the mechanics of staying in contact with people during these weeks. What used to be going out for drinks on the weekend with friends is now done by video call. In some cases, this no longer only occurs at the end of the week; now people also drink during virtual meetings on weekdays that currently may simply be lockdown days.
Approximately 20% of the population moves between consuming a drink sporadically and doing so compulsively and persistently. That is, 20% of people who start drinking daily to feel better during quarantine are more vulnerable to being unable to stop consuming when it ends. The greatest risk for them is that drinking repeatedly will affect their neurons, causing consumption to become a habit. Without realizing it, alcohol will become the most important stimulus and, even if they want to, it will be very difficult not to drink.
Substitute for Other Drugs
A trend that has also been observed during lockdown is the increase in alcohol consumption by people addicted to other drugs. In this regard, the Generalitat of Catalonia has warned that drug addicts consume more alternative substances, such as alcohol. This occurs because, not having access to their usual drugs during quarantine, they turn to other substances that are more accessible. These individuals are consuming approximately 80% more alcohol during these times of lockdown.
One of the dangers of this increase in alcohol consumption is that it can worsen the symptoms that many addicts are experiencing during quarantine. Specifically, such consumption contributes to increasing anxiety and stress and losing control of emotions. More problems may appear because the body’s defenses decrease and the risk of infections increases. The only positive aspect of the current situation has been the reduction in the consumption and distribution of illegal drugs such as cocaine or heroin. Although this has come at the cost of increased alcohol intake.
Alcohol and Medication
Excessive alcohol is harmful. But if consumed when someone is under medical treatment, it becomes a danger. With the current quarantine situation, it is possible that some people experiencing non-severe symptoms of COVID-19 are taking medications such as antibiotics. If alcohol intake is added to this, the effects of these medications for throat or respiratory infections diminish.
Furthermore, with certain antibiotics in particular, alcohol consumption can cause the appearance of side effects. These include vomiting, anxiety, nausea, and even respiratory failure. As if this were not enough, during treatment for coronavirus, the consumption of alcoholic beverages can cause serious complications. An example of these is greater vulnerability of the lungs to infection, since part of the alcohol is released from the body through respiration.
Risk of Relapse
With lockdown and the increase in alcohol consumption, the possibilities of new addicts appearing and of those in treatment or even already rehabilitated relapsing also increase. Government and detoxification centers are aware of the risk this entails. That is why the Ministry of Health published a series of recommendations for the population to become aware and act accordingly. Among the advice, it warns of the health problems that alcohol has and recommends not consuming it in case of feeling anxious.
In cases where stress or anxiety produced by lockdown may generate the desire to consume alcohol, it is necessary to know how to seek alternatives. Replacing it with other non-alcoholic beverages is a good option. Talking with family members or friends is another valid possibility to address the problem. As always, seeking professional help is the best way to face the risks of suffering from an addiction. At CCAdicciones, we have the best professionals to help people who may have fallen into this or other addictions.
