Epidemic drinkers don’t see themselves as in need of help. this is a problem

file photo | People buying liquor in Delhi’s Paharganj. representative image. Photo: Manisha Mandal | impression

Form of words:

IDrinking during the pandemic has led to a group of people who do not see themselves as alcoholics, but have difficulty abstaining from alcohol for any length of time. This group, called gray-area drinkers, is at risk of alcohol-related health problems.

relatively new wordgray-area drinkingDescribes people who consume more than a moderate amount of alcohol but do not meet the criteria for dependence. Although they don’t drink every day or drink first thing in the morning (a widely thought of an alcoholic) they are more likely to be preoccupied with alcohol and have difficulty quitting. Many of these people do not see themselves as in need of help.

Any massive increase in the level of alcohol consumption matters. While most people are familiar with the risks of dependence, there are many more serious ones. Body health problems associated with an increase in alcohol consumption that they are not Aware NS. These include heart disease and several types of cancer, including bowel and breast.

Although overall alcohol consumption has gradually declined in recent years, it is emerging evidence that some people have increased their consumption. NS heaviest shopping segment The population increased their purchases by 5.3 million liters of alcohol (+14.3%) from 2019 to 2021. Also alcohol has caused physical harm. Increasing, with a significant increase in hospitalizations and alcohol-related deaths.

Public Health England collated Results of 18 surveys of self-reported alcohol consumption during the pandemic. Between 11% and 37% reported drinking less but between 14% and 26% reported drinking more than usual. This is particularly concerning as we know most people light Bringer How much they drink in these surveys up to 40%.

Pubs were closed during the pandemic, so home drinking increased. This may have encouraged drinking in large quantities because people tend to ingest excessive amounts of alcohol while drinking. House compared to the measures given to them in bars.

evidence found that people who experienced stress during the pandemic changed the amount of alcohol and how often they drank. an international Study A study of alcohol consumption during the self-isolation period found it was most likely for British drinkers to increase the amount of alcohol consumed – which they say was at high risk of COVID-related stress. because of the level.

In Survey Some saw a significant increase in consumption after the pandemic began. Those who were drinking below the government recommended weekly limit, continued to stay within these limits. However, those who were already drinking more than 14 units of alcohol a week increased their consumption.


Read also: Delhi’s private liquor shops closed for one and a half months from October 1


Current UK guidance suggests consuming no more than 14 units of alcohol a week.

the level of dangerous drinking More than 50 units a week for men and 35 units a week for women are considered. evidence Turns out there was a 59% increase in those reporting drinking at these levels compared to before the pandemic.

Some argue that the wine industry Hug The notion that most people drink responsibly. This has been one of the industry’s main arguments for opposing greater regulation. Industry points to the need for individual responsibility rather than corporate responsibility, although they fail To define what is responsible drinking. It is up to the individual to change their drinking habits rather than requiring the industry to alter their marketing or promotional techniques.

At a time when there is a clear need to tackle rising alcohol consumption, funding has been given for specialist treatment and support. withering. some sections of the wine industry were encouraged To increase marketing spend because it will be more effective than ever. Some analyzes show that alcohol companies have also Used Lockdown for targeted social media activity. And the alcohol industry is spending millions of pounds on marketing HugeDavid and Goliath struggle, in fact, compared to the budget of public health messages.

There is little mention of alcohol or our unhealthy relationship with it during the pandemic by the government. For example, were off-license Accept Have essential services and remain open during the lockdown. The wine industry has proven Genius To influence the policy of the government in its favour.

Industry marketing as treatment budget cuts increases And there is nothing to suggest that alcoholism will lead to any reduction in the demand for hospital treatment or, sadly, the coroners have yet to record more alcohol-related deaths.

This article first appeared in Conversation, and is republished under a Creative Commons license. read original article Here.


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