In the wake of the COVID-19 'Corona' virus pandemic, below we highlight a selection of alcohol-related news, comments and guidance.
News and comment
Britain’s drinking habits are changing under lockdown, as CGA insights say people are reporting drinking less alcohol than before the outbreak, with nearly half (42%) saying they are drinking less alcohol than usual.
COVID-19 and alcohol: an enduring effect on home drinking habits? James Morris explores the range of implications resulting from the rise in home drinking in this piece for the Society for the Study of Addiction (SSA). See here for a Twitter thread by Colin Angus exploring some of the data and implications regarding likely consumption impacts.
Let’s try “Dry Covid” – lockdown is the time to kick our national alcohol habit for good, a piece by Ian Hamilton for the Independent, which sparked an array of hostile and mocking comments and subsequent debate on Twitter.
Alcohol and public health in the time of a pandemic, provides a round of alcohol-related news from the Institute of Alcohol Studies (IAS).
It's (virtual) happy hour again. In this piece for The Psychologist, Emma Davies and James Morris explore whether alcohol has a psychological function during isolation.
Alcohol could limit your resistance to coronavirus, warns World Health Organization, reports the Telegraph.
Coronavirus: Alcohol is ‘unhelpful coping strategy’ for lockdown, WHO says, reports the Independent.
After a long day of lockdown, how 'essential' is a drink?, asks this MedicalExpress piece.
Guidance, advice & support:
SHAAP (Scottish Health Action on Alcohol Problems) released new recommendations for services supporting people with alcohol-related problems. Download 'Coronavirus (COVID-19) and People with Alcohol-related Problems: Recommendations for Services' [pdf].
A briefing on Alcohol and domestic abuse in the context of Covid-19 restrictions [pdf] has been produced by Dr Sarah Fox & Professor Sarah Galvani of the Substance Use and Associated Behaviours Research Centre (SUAB) at Manchester Met University.
A regularly updated page from the SSA which links to information about COVID-19 (coronavirus) including national guidance, information for treatment services, harm reduction advice for people who use drugs, online courses and news and opinion.
Coronavirus: it’s tempting to drink your worries away but there are healthier ways to manage stress and keep your drinking in check - an advice article from the Conversation Australia.
Alcohol Change UK have a Corona virus information and advice hub.
Also...
An edited video of a webinar involving a number of experts discussing the implications, hosted by Phil Cain, is available here.
The government has released guidance on temporary changes to the use and supply of denatured alcohol and duty-free spirits for businesses who produce hand sanitiser and gel.
Comments