Drinking to stop watching the clock:physical distancing, stress and alcohol consumption during the COVID-19 outbreak

Abstract

The novel coronavirus (COVID-19), with its complex and unique pathophysiology, is an emerging threat for global health and is affecting the health and social wellbeing of the population in unprecedented ways, one of the most noticeable of which is skyrocketing sales of alcoholic beverages. Increased alcohol drinking is strongly correlated with weak immune system and heightened risk of pulmonary infections. Increased level of drinking to cope with the stress resulting from disruption in daily living can further increase the susceptibility to COVID-19 related morbidity and mortality, and delay recovery. Countermeasures against controlling the virus, such as physical distancing, should therefore be accompanied by those on limiting sales and consumption of alcohol as well. In order to prevent the risk of overconsumption during the pandemic, and minimise the risk for post-pandemic increase in alcohol use disorders and associated mental health issues, public health services and programmes should pay special attention to the underlying factors and take evidence-based measures to address them.