People are drinking more at home.
Many people are drinking less during lockdown as the pubs and restaurants are closed and they are unable to socialise in their usual way with their family and friends. Some are enjoying ‘virtual drinks’ with friends but are nonetheless not drinking anywhere near as much as they might when going out with friends in normal circumstances. However, we know from total sales of alcohol that many people are drinking considerably more at home – and maybe more than they ever did pre lockdown.
Why is lockdown making people drink more?
Why are some people drinking more during lockdown? Many people turn to alcohol because they are lonely, bored or stressed. People also turn to alcohol when they are anxious and depressed. During these challenging times, many are drinking to ease loneliness, relieve boredom, reduce stress and anxiety and because they feel low and they think it lifts their mood. This is a massive mistake. Alcohol is a depressant and will ultimately lead to further depression. Also, many people when drinking behave in ways they regret. They may say things they regret or act in ways they would not when sober. This can lead to feeling even more low in mood.
Additional Stress
Similarly, alcohol can relieve stress and anxiety short term. However, people who drink excessively will find it CAUSES stress and anxiety. Especially if they drink habitually and the body starts to go into withdrawal. So drinking more during lockdown for any of the above reasons is not likely to make the experience any more positive. It may be hard to reduce the alcohol intake post lockdown if the body becomes more tolerant of large amounts – and more dependent on them such that withdrawal symptoms are more apparent if the amounts are reduced. In addition, as we are all more crowded together in family groups, the problems caused by heavy drinking are exacerbated.
Nowhere to hide.
The other thing that is becoming apparent during these challenging times is that people who live together and who are now together 24 / 7 are noticing more about the people they live with. So they are noticing how much their family members are drinking (or using drugs if this is their ‘thing’). When living under normal circumstances we did not see how much our family member was drinking, nor did we know the time their drinking started or the effects it could have. Now it is there in full view. There is no avoiding it and the impact the alcohol is having on their behaviour. This can heighten family tension.
Is there cause for concern?
Initially the family may want to express loving concern. If they see no change in behaviour they may become upset or get frustrated (a mild form of anger) or even angry that the person they care about seems unable to cut down or stop drinking (or using) when they have made it so clear it is necessary. If this is the case, it is likely that the drinker has become alcohol dependent. Or to call a spade a spade, is an alcoholic.
Reach Out
If you are worried about what you have witnessed with a family member or loved one during these challenging times, and would like some advice, please call the Haynes Clinic, on 01462 851414. Advice is free, as is an assessment – and the cost of a detox starts at £3000.
