She Strengthens

The Hidden Dangers of Quarantine Drinking

As the world navigates the challenges of quarantine, social media has become flooded with jokes and memes about drinking to cope with stress and isolation. But beneath the humor lies a serious concern: the excessive consumption of alcohol.

Alcohol Sales Skyrocket

According to Nielsen, sales of alcohol more than doubled in the week of March 21 compared to the previous year. Spirits and beer were the top-selling drinks, indicating a troubling trend. While it’s tempting to turn to alcohol as a coping mechanism, it’s essential to recognize the potential risks.

The Consequences of Excessive Drinking

Alcohol can exacerbate existing issues, such as family conflicts and disrupted schedules, making it harder to cope with the challenges of quarantine. It can also disrupt our circadian rhythms and REM sleep, leading to further stress and fatigue. Moreover, regular, long-term alcohol use can make tasks like coaching children through online classes, managing work projects, and maintaining relationships even more difficult.

Defining Moderate Drinking

So, how much is too much? Moderate drinking is defined as up to one drink per day for women and up to two drinks per day for men. However, it’s crucial to watch out for mixed beverages with high alcoholic content. High-risk drinking is defined as consuming four or more drinks on any day or eight or more drinks per week for women, and five or more drinks on any day or 15 or more drinks per week for men.

Red Flags to Watch Out For

If you’re concerned about your drinking habits, look out for these warning signs:

• Your relationships are suffering due to your alcohol use.
• You rely on alcohol to relieve stress.
• You experience withdrawal symptoms when you don’t drink.
• Your memory is affected by heavy drinking.
• You’re having trouble sleeping due to consistent alcohol use.

Setting Boundaries

If you’re worried about your drinking habits, consider setting parameters around when and how you consume alcohol. Limiting your intake to specific days or capping yourself at a certain number of drinks per week can help prevent excessive drinking from taking over your life. Don’t be afraid to seek help from trusted resources or professionals if you need guidance.

Remember, it’s essential to prioritize your well-being during these challenging times. By being mindful of your drinking habits and setting healthy boundaries, you can navigate quarantine with greater ease and emerge stronger on the other side.