Alcohol sales rose to 55% in March[4] and 441% in April[1]. A lot of these sales have even shifted to online delivery with many purchases consisting of 1.75 mL of liquor and a box of wine [5]. What drives people to drink during this pandemic? Is it work stress? Financial stress? Fear? Depression? Anxiety? Boredom?

Source: https://stateways.com/2020/04/06/what-alcohol-consumers-are-buying-during-the-covid-19-crisis/

Whatever the case may be, it is important that women, especially, are aware of the health risks associated with alcohol. Alcohol resides in the water of the body. Though, women have less water in their bodies than men. So if they drink alcohol, they will have a higher blood alcohol concentration than a man of the same weight [6]. High blood alcohol concentration over time can result in other major health problems like a weakened immune system, liver damage, and heart disease [6]. These are all factors that can increase a person’s risk of contracting COVID-19 [2].

So what actions should you take, you may ask?

The CDC listed general ways to reduce your risk of getting COVID-19. This includes continuing your medication, having at least a 2 week supply of medications, talking to your healthcare provider about your vaccinations, and more [3]. They also listed actions for each condition or risk factor that could increase a person’s risk of getting COVID-19. The list includes conditions like asthma, diabetes, chronic kidney disease, liver disease, and more [3]. Though, reducing alcohol consumption would be the best first step for those with consistently high blood alcohol concentration levels. It’s prevention that targets the root of the issue. 

How are you utilizing this time at home? Are you drinking with a spouse or family member? Watching TV? Indulging in a glass of wine? Spending time on social media? Staying at home gives us more time to read about different topics and gain awareness about things that heavily affects us as women. Keep note of how you are spending most of your time. Things like watching tv, engaging in social media, and drinking are things that could cause more harm than good. Educate yourself and replace these bad habits with something positive. Keep in mind that alcohol misuse can result in major negative outcomes. During times like this, taking necessary precautions does not only help people reduce their risk of getting COVID-19, but it can also help individuals overcome this condition. So women let’s educate ourselves, get to know our bodies, and refrain from bad habits. No matter how hard life gets, stay positive and put yourself first!

References:

1. O’Malley, N. (2020, April 30). Report: Alcohol delivery app Drizly up 485% as pandemic sales surge. Retrieved from https://www.masslive.com/massforward/2020/04/alcohol-sales-surged-during-coronavirus-quarantine-as-much-as-441-in-april-report.html
2. Osbourne, N., & Monico, N. (2020, April 28). Coronavirus (COVID-19) & Alcoholism. Retrieved from https://www.alcohol.org/resources/coronavirus-and-alcoholism/
3. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2020, May 14). People Who Are at Higher Risk for Severe Illness. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/need-extra-precautions/groups-at-higher-risk.html
4. Polakovic, G. (2020, April 15). Pandemic drives alcohol sales – and raises concerns about substance abuse. Retrieved from https://news.usc.edu/168549/covid-19-alcohol-sales-abuse-stress-relapse-usc-experts/
5. Swartz, K. (2020, April 6). What Alcohol Consumers are Buying During the COVID-19 Crisis.   Retrieved from https://stateways.com/2020/04/06/what-alcohol-consumers-are-buying-during-the-covid-19-crisis/
6. Women and Alcohol. (2020, February 24). Retrieved from https://www.niaaa.nih.gov/publications/brochures-and-fact-sheets/women-and-alcohol