Covid-19, self isolation, and alcohol use

Recently our social media feeds have started to include jokes about day drinking and an extra wine to manage the stress of adapting to COVID-19 changes.  Is it actually likely however, that self-isolation and lockdown will be associated with increased levels of alcohol use? Short answer: yes. A number of environmental and psychological factors are associated with alcohol consumption patterns, and these can be impacted by the changes we are experiencing as a result of COVID-19. Does that have to be a problem? Short answer: no. Awareness of these factors, while being mindful of any change in your drinking pattern can help you to work out a balance that supports both your mental and physical health in the long run. UON Clinical Psychologist Sonja Pohlman, together with Professor Nicole Lee (Curtin University) and Associate Professor Genevieve Dingle (University of Qld) expand on this topic in a recent article in The Conversation https://theconversation.com/coronavirus-its-tempting-to-drink-your-worries-away-but-there-are-healthier-ways-to-manage-stress-and-keep-your-drinking-in-check-134669