[imagesource: Syda Productions/Shutterstock]

When you’re working from home, the line between business hours and the end of the day can become a little blurred.

I like to mark the end of the day with a drink, and a cigarette, because then I’m officially off the clock and anything else will have to wait until tomorrow.

Sometimes that drink can turn into two, and then a few more, because for many knocking back a few beverages is the go-to tactic for stress relief.

If you’re drinking more alcohol than you before a pandemic swept the globe, you’re not alone, with UK-based campaign group Alcohol Change UK’s survey revealing some interesting results.

Below via the Metro:

They found that almost one in three drinkers (29%) have been drinking at increasing or high risk levels over the past six months (over 14 units per week).

Over half of drinkers (53%) said they have drunk alcohol for a mental health reason – such as feeling anxious, stressed or worried, feeling bored, having trouble sleeping, or feeling sad or low – at least once in the past six months.

The same study would most likely produce markedly different results in South Africa, given that alcohol sales were banned for such an extended period over the past six months, with the black market trading at outrageous prices.

Sales have now resumed, and more recently, extended to cover all licenced trading hours.

Returning to the UK, and some words from Alcohol Change UK’s Chief Executive, Dr Richard Piper:

“Covid-19 has negatively affected our nation’s mental health, and has led millions of us to drink more heavily. Challenging the stigma and shame that many of us feel when we realise our drinking has got out of control is more important now than ever.”

Andrew Misell, one of the charity’s directors, said that given how alcohol is such a “socially acceptable coping mechanism”, it’s not surprising to see a marked increase in consumption during this period of stress.

In South Africa, alcohol abuse plays a major causative role in crimes like murder and violence against women and children.

If you, or a loved one, is looking for help, you can find a list of contact numbers here.

[source:mirror]