Are You Drinking Too Much During Lockdown?

The whole world has been turned upside down as a result of the Coronavirus pandemic. With the virus having already claimed the lives of over 33,000 people in the UK, the government has placed strict lockdown rules on its citizens in order to slow the spread of the virus. 

As the majority of us are no longer able to see friends, go to restaurants or celebrate at bars, it can be tempting to turn to the bottle at home as a way of passing the time. Moreover, this is a period of extreme uncertainty, anxiety and stress and this has led to a 22% increase in purchases of alcohol in the UK.

Have you been drinking more because of lockdown? Here’s how to tell if you have been drinking too much during quarantine, and how to get help. 

You are drinking more than the recommended limit

The NHS suggests that we should limit our alcohol consumption to 14 units a week. If you are finding yourself drinking more than the recommended amount, try and delegate set days where you avoid any alcoholic beverages. Use this URL to get help on how to detox yourself from drinking. 

You are drinking more regularly

Before lockdown, did you only drink a couple of times a week, or only on special occasions? If you are finding yourself drinking every evening, just because you can, it may be worth trying to limit your intake. Consider monitoring how much you are actually drinking a week. If it is over the recommended limit, make sure you try and cut down, or switch to non-alcoholic beverages. 

You are craving alcohol 

If you are finding yourself beginning to crave alcohol during the day, or wait eagerly for the evening where you can have a drink, this could be a sign that you are becoming addicted to alcohol. If this is the case, you should seriously consider getting help to cut down your alcohol consumption. Find out more information here on how to seek help for alcohol dependency. 

Conclusion

These are scary times for us all, and it can be tempting to drink alcohol as a method of coping with the stress this global pandemic has caused. However, it is important that you monitor your drinking at this time, and if you are really struggling to do so, consider seeking professional help.