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In early April 2020, as I was grappling with the realization that COVID-19 was going to be a significant event in our lives (it took me a while to accept that), I received an unexpected package. A close friend had left a few bottles of wine on my doorstep, accompanied by a note that read: “You’re going to need this.”
Her comment was meant to be lighthearted, but it highlighted a growing issue that was emerging during the pandemic: the increase in alcohol consumption. A recent study by a nonprofit research institute found that drinking surged at the start of the pandemic and continued to escalate as time went on. The most alarming rise was seen among mothers with children under five, where alcohol intake soared by 323%.
“Women are more likely to turn to alcohol as a means of coping with stress, anxiety, and depression, all of which were heightened during the COVID-19 pandemic,” explained Dr. Sarah Johnson, an economist at the research institute. “Alcohol use among women has been increasing for the past two decades, and our findings suggest that the pandemic has only accelerated this trend.”
I spoke with Dr. Mark Thompson, an addiction specialist, about the study’s findings and his thoughts on the dramatic uptick in alcohol consumption. “I was shocked… a 300% increase is astounding but not entirely unexpected given the isolation many faced during the pandemic,” he noted, adding that the pandemic stripped away opportunities for mothers to find personal time away from home.
The Rise of Gray Drinking
Dr. Thompson has observed a notable trend he refers to as “gray drinking,” which lies in the ambiguous space between moderate drinking and alcohol abuse. This phenomenon has become increasingly common among both men and women during the pandemic.
“It’s typical for someone to come home and enjoy a whiskey to unwind; that’s gray drinking,” Dr. Thompson explained. “However, now that many aren’t commuting to work, this behavior has escalated. Moms are finding themselves drinking more frequently throughout the day.”
For men, gray drinking often transitions from having one whiskey to consuming several in one sitting. In contrast, women may find themselves drinking steadily throughout the day. This difference can be attributed to how men and women typically approach alcohol use. Women may be more discreet about their drinking habits; as issues arise, they often isolate themselves and may experience mood disorders.
Gray drinking can lead to Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD), which is characterized by at least three of the 11 symptoms outlined in the DSM-5, including cravings, increased tolerance, withdrawal symptoms, and continued use despite negative consequences.
When Should You Cut Back?
What starts as a glass of wine in the evening can easily escalate to more. However, there are guidelines to help you determine whether your drinking habits may be becoming excessive.
“Safe drinking doesn’t mean it’s completely without risk,” Dr. Thompson cautions. “But if you stay below certain levels, you’re less likely to experience significant health issues.” For women, the threshold is seven drinks per week, spaced over three to five days. While enjoying a glass of wine each night might not indicate a problem, consuming five drinks in one sitting or exceeding seven drinks weekly could be concerning. For men, the safe limit is 14 standard drinks per week.
A simple strategy to assess your drinking habits is to check your recycling bin for empty bottles. If you notice more than one or two, it might be a sign to reassess your intake.
Health Risks of Alcohol Abuse
The dangers of excessive drinking extend beyond just a bad hangover. Dr. Thompson notes that alcohol abuse is associated with over 100 health issues, including cancer. “Approximately 25% of all cancers can be attributed to excessive alcohol consumption,” he states.
Additionally, health problems linked to alcohol include heart disease, hypertension, and damage to the liver, kidneys, and pancreas, as well as detrimental effects on the central nervous system, including the brain.
With rising stress levels and the ongoing challenges presented by the Delta variant, it’s likely that alcohol consumption will remain elevated. “We’re currently facing a second pandemic—one of alcohol and drug misuse, alongside mental health challenges,” Dr. Thompson warns. The full impact of this second pandemic may not be evident for at least a decade, though as life resumes its normal pace, we might start to see its effects more clearly.
The good news is that support and treatment options are available, and recovery is achievable.
For more insights into related topics, check out our blog post here, or learn about fertility boosters here. For those interested in pregnancy resources, this fertility center provides excellent information.
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Summary
The COVID-19 pandemic has led to a significant increase in alcohol consumption among women, particularly mothers of young children. This rise in drinking habits is concerning, with many women engaging in what is termed “gray drinking.” While there are guidelines to identify safe drinking levels, the dangers of alcohol abuse are substantial, impacting both physical and mental health. Awareness and support are crucial for those who may be struggling with their alcohol consumption during these challenging times.
Keyphrase: Increase in Alcohol Consumption Among Women
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