MAP
Understanding Problem Drinking During the Pandemic
T
he COVID-19 pandemic not only has taken many lives, but totally disrupted our way of life, causing seemingly never-ending chronic pressures and stress. From fears about contracting the virus, to mourning the loss of COVID19 casualties, to financial crises, homelessness, food insecurity, social isolation and uncertainty of the future, COVID-19 bombards us with a myriad of serious simultaneous concerns. Living in a chronic state of fear and trauma contributes to a person’s vulnerability not only to anxiety, depression, and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), but also to substance use abuse/ relapse. Not surprisingly, binge drinking rates reach a dangerous record high. Recent surveys show that throughout the pandemic, more than two thirds of Americans admit that their drinking has spiked dramatically. Another third of Americans report binge drinking heavily, consuming seven alcoholic beverages in a single setting. Research concludes that the stress of the pandemic, coupled with feeling isolated and bored alone at home, have contributed to binge drinking. Sadly, many who drank casually pre-pandemic, have found
themselves caught up in a daily pattern of binge drinking.
WHEN DRINKING BECOMES A PROBLEM Among the general public, there are many misconceptions about what constitutes a drinking problem. Many mistakenly believe, for example, that if they drink beer rather than liquor, their drinking is not serious. Or similarly, some assume they don’t have a drinking problem as long as they show up for work and maintain employment. Others may falsely reassure themselves that they don’t have a drinking problem because they can sometimes stop drinking completely. The reality, however, is that whether someone drinks beer, wine, liquor, or other spirits, drinking too much alcohol of any kind constitutes a problem. Many binge drinkers are gainfully employed and may also abstain from drinking from time-to-time. However, when they do consume alcohol, they often find themselves drinking more than intended. Some have a genetic predisposition in which they immediately crave more alcohol after a single drink. For others, what started as a reasonable, ritual nightcap, could develop into a habit of nightly binge drinking.
SYMPTOMS OF HAVING A DRINKING PROBLEM AKA AN ALCOHOL USE DISORDER In addition to drinking too much alcohol, health professionals also focus on the effects of a person’s alcohol use. Displaying two or more of the following symptoms indicates a likelihood of having an alcohol use disorder (NIAAA, 2021). In the past year, have you: + Had times when you ended up drinking more, or longer, than you intended?
+ More than once wanted to cut down or stop drinking, or tried to, but couldn’t?
+ Spent a lot of time drinking, or being sick from drinking or getting over its aftereffects?
+ Wanted a drink so badly you couldn’t think of anything else?
+ Found that drinking—or being sick from drinking—often interfered with taking care of your home or family? Or caused job troubles? Or school problems?
+ Continued to drink even though it was causing trouble with your family or friends?
+ Given up or cut back on activities that were important or interesting to you, or gave you pleasure, in order to drink? ISSUE 3, 2021 // 29
