Alcohol and COVID-19: should I avoid drinking?
Written in association with:
Published: 09/04/2020
Edited by: Robert Smith
As the social restrictions of the coronavirus pandemic unfold, the potential for harm associated with alcohol and other drugs may increase. Some countries have even banned alcohol sales during the lockdown as a result.
It is undoubtedly an unexpected and stressful time for the UK and around the world. Many people will be thinking of having something to drink as a way of trying to cope with anxiety and stress during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Even before the COVID-19 outbreak, data showed ‘that almost three in five (58%) of all people (aged 18-75) who drink alcohol are doing so because it helps them to cope with the pressures of day to day life.’
Social distancing means people will be spending more time alone, thus feelings of loneliness may increase and ultimately, the desire to drink. Drinking is often seen as part of avoiding being lonely in the first place; at least, drinking with others . Findings from a study of middle-aged and older drinkers also found that less frequent consumption of alcohol was associated with feelings of loneliness.
March alone saw a 22 percent rise in alcohol sales in the UK as people built up stockpiles in preparation for the lockdown.
This is all prior to many jobs being lost and studies also show that alcohol misuse is more likely to start or escalate after unemployment begins. So with dismissals from work on the rise due to the COVID-19 crisis and an increased feeling of loneliness whilst social distancing, it’s likely many will be reaching for more than just a few cans.
COVID-19 cure claims
It’s been circulating on the internet that drinking alcohol can cure COVID-19. In Iran just recently, 480 Iranians reportedly died from the consumption of high-proof alcohol after believing rumours that it is a cure for coronavirus.
The World Health Organization recently highlighted that there is currently no evidence to suggest that drinking alcohol offers any protection against COVID-19 or that it has a positive effect on the course and outcomes of any infectious disease.
So, before you go to make yourself a “quarantini”, think of the bigger picture and how alcohol affects your health.
Why you should avoid drinking alcohol during the pandemic
The old adage, ‘you are what you eat’ is most certainly also applicable to drink. Alcohol use, especially heavy use, weakens the immune system and thus reduces the body’s ability to deal with infectious diseases, hardly ideal during a pandemic.
In the short term, alcohol often help us to sleep more quickly, but throughout the night it interferes with REM sleep which is the deep sleep that refreshes you. By the time it’s time to get up in the morning you won’t feel refreshed at all and it’s vital to be getting good sleep during these stressful, unprecedented times. Just recently we wrote an article on the importance of sleep during this time to handle the stress from the pandemic.
A study that was carried out with the assistance of one of our leading hepatologists (liver specialists), Professor Kevin Moore , for the Channel 4 show Live Well for Longer , highlighted that just giving up on alcohol for one month can aid “significant weight loss” as well as a “ significant drop in blood pressure and cholesterol” .
So whilst giving up alcohol isn’t a replacement for exercise, with gyms being closed and limited time allowed to be spent doing exercise outside, a reduction in the alcohol we drink during this time may be beneficial as it’ll prevent weight gain and reduce the risk of high blood pressure and high cholesterol.
With consumption of alcohol shown to increase susceptibility to conditions such as pneumonia and pneumonia being a complication of COVID-19 in many cases, it may be best to cut out alcohol altogether.
How do I know if I’m drinking too much?
The government’s recommended maximum alcohol intake is 14 units per week - about 6 or 7 drinks. They also advise having many drink free days throughout the week.
According to DrinkAware, signs you may be drinking too much include drinking earlier in the day than you would have done previously or drinking without realising it. If you aren’t sure whether you are drinking too much, they currently offer a free Alcohol Use Disorders Identification test (AUDIT) on their website.
What can I do to avoid drinking alcohol during the COVID-19 pandemic?
Dr Davidsson, one of Top Doctors’ highly trained consultant psychiatrists, highlights that “support from family and friends is always helpful” and that it is often “a good idea to seek support from your partners or friends”, Alcohol Change UK also recommends getting support remotely so chatting to friends via apps such as Zoom which have gained popularity recently may be a good idea.
Professional support can also be received remotely by booking an e-Consultation with Top Doctors, giving you access to medical attention from your home. This may also be ideal if speaking to family members about addiction is difficult as in many cases discussing it with them can be “an issue” .
Finally, a key point to remember: Under no circumstances should you drink alcohol as a means of treating or preventing COVID-19 infection.