Excessive consumption of alcohol is a common reaction to stress management. COVID-19 is linked to adverse economic and health consequences as well as sadness, loss, and long-term stress and uncertainty.
COVID-19’s emotional effects on women
According to a survey conducted, women have reported higher rates of productivity, sleep, mood, health concerns, and frustration related to pandemic-related changes compared with men who are unable to perform fun activities. The rates of clinically significant anxiety were higher for women with children under 18 compared to men with children and for women without minor children. Women are more likely than men to bear the burden of household tasks, caregiving, and child-rearing. Stay-at-home orders to halt COVID-19 transmission added to the burden of homeschooling.
Increased alcohol consumption rates in women
A quick glance at social media will reveal that there is a “cure” for pandemic-related stress: alcohol. Alcohol is now easier to obtain via sites and applications than ever before. It is therefore not surprising that the pandemic affects female alcohol consumption unreasonably. Alcohol consumption rates, heavy drinking (defined on one occasion as having more than four drinks), and related disorders in women have increased even before the pandemic. The proportion of women who drink alcohol increased 16% between 2001-02 and 2012-13, women’s heavy drink increased 58% (in comparison to men 16%), and the prevalence of women in alcohol use with an alcohol disorder increased 84% over the course of a one-year period (versus 35 percent in men).
This is partly because of the changing social standards in women’s alcohol consumption and the women’s target marketing in the alcohol industry. Further increase in alcohol consumption in women has been the pandemic. Research conducted states their heavy drinking days increased by 41% compared to before the pandemic during the pandemic. More research has shown that more drinking for women than men is the result of the psychological stress related to COVID-19.
Alcohol’s medical and psychiatric consequences
Heavy drinking, including hypertension, cancers, strokes, liver disease, and alcohol-affected accidents, has adverse repercussions for physical health. Women are more susceptible to the negative physical consequences of alcohol, such as liver disease, heart disease, and cognitive impairment, because they absorb and metabolize alcohol differently than men. It is estimated that one-third of breast cancer cases could be avoided if women avoided alcohol, exercised regularly, and maintained a healthy weight.
The consumption of alcohol can adversely influence mental health. The risk of men becoming depressed or anxious is double for women and the heavy use of alcohol exacerbates depression, insomnia, and anxiety, symptoms that many people experience during the pandemic. The COVID-19 pandemic has led to a dangerous stress situation, an increase in alcohol consumption, and lower escaping options for women living with a hostile partner.
Tips and resources for coping with pandemic-related stress
It is critical for women to develop healthy coping strategies for the stress and anxiety caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Making healthy eating, sleep, and exercise a priority can help improve your physical and mental health. Although physical separation is required to prevent the spread of COVID-19, people should avoid social isolation from friends, family, and loved ones. Maintain a daily routine to avoid boredom, as boredom is frequently associated with alcohol use.
How to change your drinking habits.
Consider your drinking behavior with regard to your mental and physical health risks, including your alcohol history and family history, and any anti-alcoholic drugs.
Women should have no more than one regular drink a day and no more than seven in a week (a standard drink is 5 ounces of wine; 1.5 ounces of spirits; 12 ounces of beer).
Take into account the alcohol intake and the risk of becoming pregnant. When pregnant, there is no such thing as a sufficient amount of alcohol to drink.
Seek the safest way to decrease the use of alcohol from your health care provider.
