This morning I read an article in the APA Monitor (American Psychological Association magazine) about COVID-19 and drinking behaviors. It gave me pause to think about how all of the stress that we have been dealing with in 2020 has changed our relationship with alcohol. Some of this will be good news, and some bad news.
First, according to this article, about 21% of the people in a recent survey indicated that they have been drinking less alcohol during the pandemic, mostly because they used to imbibe while out socializing with friends, and that type of social interaction is prohibitive in our current state of affairs. Sadly, about 31% of the people in the survey indicated an increase in drinking habits since the beginning of the pandemic. This is problematic for several reasons, which is the topic for today.
For many, indulging in a craft beer or cocktail is a pleasurable experience shared with others, simply a part of the social contract. We get together, we sip and socialize. Maybe have some appetizers, too. In a pandemic, when indoor gatherings are discouraged, and in many places bars and restaurants are closed for indoor service, those social sips are curtailed, and drinking alcohol is reduced. This is not problematic.
The problem comes in when drinking alcohol is something you start doing more frequently at home, by yourself, or as a means to dull the pain or discomfort of our or your current circumstances. Don't get me wrong, I have been known to have a nice glass of wine after a rough day, to de-stress. That is not the behavior that I am referring to as problematic. Anyway, I live alone, so having a glass of red wine by myself is the only way to have one these days, unless you count my puppy as company. Then, I am good.
Drinking alone on a regular basis, as a coping mechanism, is the concern. For that matter, drinking when you are NOT alone, as a coping mechanism is also of concern. I have written in previous posts about the different types of coping mechanisms that humans tend to use (problem-focused, emotion-focused, denial), and the difficulties in using strategies that are not geared toward resolving the stressors. Those mechanisms are important to consider, now, when are talk about alcohol consumption during COVID-19.
There are other issues to consider, as well, such as the risk of alcohol dependence and the emotional, physical, and relational issues that come with it. Also, the fact that alcohol is a depressant, which when using alcohol to 'forget' your problems, can only make you feel worse. Finally, alcohol use can cause sleep disturbances, which can further complicate your ability to effectively manage stress, life, health, and relationships.
Back to those coping mechanisms. If your go-to response to stress is to have a cocktail or two, or a beer or wine, think about that for a moment. Does this help resolve the source of the stress? No. It only delays your ability to address the stress or address your response to the stressor. This falls under the category of both emotion-focused coping ("I am so stressed about 'x', I am going to have a drink to calm my nerves."), or denial ("I am fine. Let's have a drink and have some fun."). Neither of these strategies are going to provide you with progress toward resolving the source of your stress.
Now, I realize that there are so many things going on right now that we cannot simply resolve ourselves. They are beyond our control to a great degree. We alone cannot cure COVID-19, or civil unrest. These are huge issues that can seem overwhelming. But, we can play our part of the solution. Stressed about the pandemic? Damn straight, me too. So, do your part to follow the CDC guidelines, or WHO guidelines, or the guidelines in place for your state or country of residence, as best you can. Then, find a support system, preferably a pandemic pod, or a physically but not socially distances group of people you can rely on to encourage each other. Family. Friends, Neighbors. Colleagues. Vent to each other, and strategize for ways to deal with life right now. Lean on each other.
Is part of your physically but not socially distanced quaranteam gathering to have a wine tasting or cocktail hour? Maybe it is time to cut back on those a little, for now. Try themed food sessions instead. Or dress up/dress down parties without the alcohol. My husband and I have started playing 'Word Up' online, so we can connect with each other in a new way. My grandkids, my son and daughter-in-law and I are playing Dungeons and Dragons together, while Zooming. These are fun activities that do not require alcohol to be incredibly enjoyable. They occupy our minds, distract from the stressors, but don't add to them! Footnote: I have never played Dungeons and Dragons before, but I am learning, and it is fun!
So, do your liver a favor. And your overall physical, emotional, and mental health. Curb the cocktails (or beer, or wine) for now. Let's get through this pandemic and all of the civil unrest with relatively alcohol-free minds, and look forward to new types of social but not physical gatherings right now. We can get back to cocktail hours and craft brews, hopefully, in 2021. Until then, I am going to get my glass of water, and hydrate my body and soul.
Be well, stay safe, and take care.
