Excessive alcohol use could worsen the coronavirus pandemic


If your disconnect ritual has turned into a bottle of wine instead of a glass, a six-pack of beer instead of one or two, or more than a couple of mixed drinks, that could exacerbate the effects of the ongoing pandemic of COVID-19 coronavirus.

Resorting to alcohol to deal with stress may seem like a good idea, but the data suggests that Americans are drinking much more than usual and that may increase health risks, the American Heart Association said in a press release. That includes compromised immune systems, which reduces the body’s ability to fight infectious diseases like COVID-19.

Nielsen, a global market research firm, reports that store alcohol sales increased 54% in late March compared to the same period in 2019. Online sales increased nearly 500% in April. A Morning Consult survey of 2,200 American adults conducted in early April showed that 16% of adults drank more during the pandemic, with higher rates among younger adults: one in four Millennials and almost one in five Gen Xers said his alcohol consumption had increased.

What is too much alcohol varies by gender and weight. In general, moderate alcohol consumption means one or two drinks per day for men and one drink per day for women, according to federal dietary guidelines. At the other end of the spectrum, excessive alcohol consumption is defined as four or more drinks for women and five or more drinks for men in a two-hour period.

“Some people say, ‘Whoa! Is that drinking too much? That’s what I drink every night,’ ‘said Mariann Piano, a substance abuse researcher, nursing professor and associate dean of research at Vanderbilt University in Nashville.

Drinking to excess can increase the risk of liver disease, obesity, breast cancer, depression, suicide, accidents, and a wide range of cardiovascular problems, including high blood pressure, atrial fibrillation, stroke, and heart attack, according to the AHA.

Alcohol can also have harmful interactions with prescription drugs and lead to dehydration and lack of sleep, the AHA said. It also affects brain functions such as memory, balance, and rational thinking.

“It can completely impair your judgment,” said Piano. “I have seen bars where there is no physical distance, with people grouped or aligned with each other.”

Michigan bars were reopened on June 8, but most of the lower peninsula was ordered to cease indoor service this week after high-profile coronavirus outbreaks linked bars in the state.

RELATED: Whitmer shuts down indoor bar service in most of Michigan

Lack of rational thinking while drinking along with the compromised immune systems of people who depend on alcohol could lead to more cases of coronavirus, he said.

Anxiety, loneliness and boredom are all triggers for excessive alcohol consumption. Those feelings increase during the pandemic as people work from home and isolate themselves from loved ones to reduce the spread of the virus, said Adriane dela Cruz, a psychiatrist who specializes in drug and alcohol addiction and an assistant professor of psychiatry. at UT Southwestern Medical Center. Peter O’Donnell Jr. Brain Institute in Dallas.

Widespread jokes on social media about “quarantinis” and daily use of COVID could be contributing to alcohol abuse, he said.

“This cultural idea that alcohol is a good way to deal with problems is discouraging,” said Dela Cruz. “If it’s a drink, that’s totally fine. But I’m concerned that drinking will become the routine solution.”

Alternatives to dealing with pandemic stress include yoga, meditation, deep breathing techniques, talking to friends on the phone or video chat, walking outside, reading and other enjoyable activities, he said.

If you are drinking heavily on a regular basis, consider contacting a primary care physician, a mental health professional, or calling the Substance Abuse and Helpline for Disaster Helpline at 800- 985-5990. Alcoholics Anonymous offers online meetings at aa-intergroup.org.

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services announced 262 new confirmed cases of coronavirus on Wednesday, July 1, which is less than the recent seven-day moving average of approximately 311 cases per day. Authorities also reported four more deaths, less than the seven-day average of 12 per day.

Since mid-March, Michigan has recorded 64,132 confirmed cases of COVID-19 and 5,951 known deaths related to infectious respiratory disease.

CORONAVIRUS PREVENTION TIPS

In addition to washing their hands regularly and not touching their faces, officials recommend practicing social distancing, assuming anyone can carry the virus.

Health officials say you should stay at least 6 feet away from others and work from home, if possible.

Use sanitizing wipes or sanitizing spray cleaners on frequently touched surfaces in your home (door handles, faucets, countertops) and carry hand sanitizer when you go to places like stores.

Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer also issued an executive order requiring people to cover their faces with their mouths and nose inside closed public spaces.

Additional information is available at Michigan.gov/Coronavirus and CDC.gov/Coronavirus.

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