HAVE WE BEEN DRINKING MORE?
The effects of Canadians drinking more alcohol during the Covid-19 lockdown could be felt for a generation, some experts have warned.
The statistics for alcohol sales rose by varying percentages, dependent on province, just prior to the lockdown as many prepared to drink at home.
The question remained however – were people stocking up because they feared shortages?
Or were they actually drinking more?
The research suggests that a quarter of Canadians aged between 35 and 44 have increased their alcohol consumption while at home during the Covid-19 crisis.
Canadian research company Nanos Research surveyed 1,036 consumers over the age of 18 between 30 March and 2 April 2020. The research was commissioned by the Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction.
Among those surveyed, nine in 10 (94%) reported they were currently staying at home due to the coronavirus pandemic.
The report found that those who consumed more alcohol most often cited a lack of regular schedule, boredom and stress.
Younger participants, aged between 18 to 34, were more likely than Canadians aged over 55 to increase their consumption of both alcohol and cannabis.
Seven in 10 Canadians (70%) currently staying at home said their alcohol consumption has remained the same, while 18% increased alcohol use and 12% had reduced their consumption.
People aged above 55 were less likely to report an increase (10%), than those aged between 35 to 54 (25%) and 18 to 34-year-olds (21%).
Of those who increased their consumption of alcohol, the reasons cited were a lack of a regular schedule (51%), boredom (49%), stress (44%), loneliness (19%), and big alcohol collections (12%).
Women were more likely to cite stress (57%) as a reason for consuming more than men (32%), while men are more likely to cite boredom (54%; 44% of women).
Why Does it Matter?
Habits are formed quickly and can be hard to break.
Alcohol intake – and its management – is particularly important for well-being and mental health during this pandemic.
And there are also risks beyond the individual. Alcohol can worsen household tensions.
Unfortunately, while alcohol can help us relax and give us a brief feeling of euphoria, the effects are short-lived and the long-term negative effects of over-using alcohol can be harmful.
If you rely on alcohol to manage your mental health issues, that reliance itself can become a problem.
You may well find that your drinking gets in the way of other activities and puts a strain on your relationships and your work.
While some find that cutting down without support is possible, others will need assistance.
What Can You Do About It?
The Reduce Alcohol program will help.
If your drinking has become a habit, it’s worth remembering that drinking is merely a mental “program” – you have “programmed” yourself to drink alcohol in just the same way that you have programmed yourself to ride a bicycle.
And these mental programs can be re-set and re-written.
Hypnosis is an effective approach in dealing with the problems that excess alcohol can lead to – issues with relationships, weight and health.
It will identify those areas and aspects of your life that may require tweaks and modification.
In particular, it will enable you to adapt, change and to look at alcohol intake in a completely new way.
Hypnosis will help you realise that alcohol is not essential to relaxation, and it is not necessary as a crutch or coping mechanism.
The Reduce Alcohol program will enable you to take back control and will lead the way to a fitter, healthier you!
And NOW – it can all be done from the comfort of your own home, wherever you are in the world. Online sessions are available.
Email me at atlantisguide@mac.com
Call me at (001) 780 934 2150
And let the changes begin!
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