Life has changed dramatically since March, when communities began enacting stay-at-home orders to help slow the spread of the virus that causes COVID-19. As many restaurants and bars closed, at-home alcohol sales went up, according to data compiled by Nielsen.
Dr. Victor Karpyak, a Mayo Clinic psychiatrist and addiction researcher, says using alcohol to celebrate or relieve stress is an age-old human trait, but overusing alcohol as a coping mechanism during these difficult times has consequences.
If you are closing your computer at the end of a workday and reaching for the liquor cabinet, chances are you’re not alone.
How much is too much though?
Current recommendations are no more than 14 drinks per week and no more than four drinks per occasion for men, and, for women, no more than seven drinks per week and no more than three drinks per occasion.
“If it becomes three or four drinks today and it is again three or four drinks tomorrow, then very easily we start to hit above the weeklong threshold, and this is what needs to be an alarming sign,” says Dr. Karpyak.
An escalating pattern of drinking may be a potential sign of alcohol abuse and development of addiction, which affects relationships as well as the body.
“There is no organ or system which is not impacted by chronic and significant alcohol use.”
Alcohol-related liver disease is perhaps the most familiar problem, along with acute and chronic pancreatic disease and heart-related damage.
“And, as a psychiatrist, I can tell you that there is a lot of negative impact that long-term significant alcohol use has on brain tissue.”
Next time you want to reach for a cold one, consider reaching out to a friend to help ease the stress of the day.
“Courtesy: Victor Karpyak, M.D./ Psychiatry/ Mayo Clinic.”[/vc_message]
Disclaimer
The information contained in South Florida Reporter is for general information purposes only.
The South Florida Reporter assumes no responsibility for errors or omissions in the contents of the Service.
In no event shall the South Florida Reporter be liable for any special, direct, indirect, consequential, or incidental damages or any damages whatsoever, whether in an action of contract, negligence or other tort, arising out of or in connection with the use of the Service or the contents of the Service. The Company reserves the right to make additions, deletions, or modifications to the contents of the Service at any time without prior notice.
The Company does not warrant that the Service is free of viruses or other harmful components
