Mother’s, Alcohol and COVID-19: The surge of heavy drinking during the Pandemic
Since the pandemic many parents find that they have been drinking more alcohol. They know it's not healthy and often express worry that those few extra glasses of wine each night are too much, and they are concerned it's getting out of hand. Parents have noticed that most of their social gatherings with friends and neighbors now involve alcohol, when most of them rarely drank, pre-COVID...especially not on weekdays. They know the Pandemic was stressful, but wonder why am I drinking more now?
The Pandemic's Influence on Alcohol Consumption is Real
During the first few months of the COVID-19 Pandemic, alcohol purchases increased drastically, and this buying trend has not yet slowed down. Since the surge began, several studies have confirmed that the frequency of heavy drinking days for women, specifically mothers, has increased by 41% compared to pre-pandemic days. The excessive increase in drinking is concerning, and people are starting to see the correlation between the increase in alcohol consumption and its effect on health, mental health, jobs, and relationships.
Why is this happening?
There are quite literally countless reasons why 41% of mothers are consuming more alcohol, but many studies and sociology experts believe that the core of the surge is based on the disproportionate way that life responsibilities have fallen to women in the rise of the COVID-19 Pandemic. To put it simply, Mothers have felt an excessive burden of responsibility to provide childcare, take care of at-risk family members, maintain the order of the home, and keep succeeding at their jobs to earn income – all while the inconvenience, fear, and stress of the Pandemic threatens their sense of wellbeing, safety, and mental health.
Other possible reasons include:
External stressors with financial hardships such as job loss, and additional work stress pertaining to turnover and replacement training (especially teachers and helpers/first responders)
Unique stressors such as working from home while simultaneously taking care of and facilitating virtual learning for children and keeping up with household responsibilities
Social stressors such as a decrease in social interaction at work, with friends, family, and less chances for stress relief with fun outings and vacations
Newly illuminated stressors such as becoming aware of problems of which they were unaware of previously
Internal stress from sense of loss with routine
Relational stress and grief associated with losing loved ones during the Pandemic
Fear of getting sick
Being sick and struggling to recuperate
Overall sense of helplessness and uncertainty with the ongoing nature of the Pandemic as new concerns, variants, and confusing guidelines continue to surface
Close friends, family, and spouse may also be drinking more, so heavier drinking may have become more normalized despite unhealthy ramifications
Mothers and alcohol
Add to this the fact that the Pandemic led to a decrease of in-person emotional, relational, and physical support, and it is understandable to imagine the collective Motherhood burnout. Responsibilities increased tenfold while support and access to standard go-to resources for coping and childcare diminished. The lack of available interpersonal help is often a precursor to psychiatric problems such as anxiety and depression – both of which are strongly influenced by alcohol consumption. And because TV shows, commercials, and social media frequently talk about “Mommy Wine” and “Rosé All Day” in such jovial ways, there is a general social acceptance of drinking alcohol as a coping method.
One 1.5-ounce shot of 40% alcohol (or 80 proof) liquor
How to get help: COVID-19 drinking increase and what to do about it
First and foremost be compassionate. To say the past couple years have been challenging is an understatement, and the reasons why 41% of Mother’s are drinking more are understandable. Mother’s are an essential and foundational pillar in society, and many of them are feeling the overwhelming and exhausting pressure of reality. This is not a time to shame Mothers, it is a time to help and support them.
The sad reality is that heavy drinking can lead to not only addictive tendencies, but also to a host of physical and mental health issues. Heavy drinking can lead to or exacerbate organ illness, anxiety, depression, insomnia, and many other mental and physical health problems. Alcohol also causes inflammation and weakens the immune system which increases susceptibility to viruses and illnesses. Unfortunately, women are twice as likely to develop alcohol-related diseases then men, so it is important for Mothers and those who know and love a Mother to seek out healthy coping outlets for support.
Find healthy ways to cope with stress such as setting boundaries and seek out alternative natural remedies to calm anxiety. And if you are not a Mother, help a Mother out by identifying and respecting her boundaries and offering reliable, safe support whenever possible.
Seek professional help. There is zero shame in accumulating a support network of professionals and resources to help you cope. In fact, having a helpful and compassionate support network is essential for your healing and wellbeing.
Need more support?
Are you a parent struggling with heavy drinking or anxiety especially as a result of the COVID-19 Pandemic? Please schedule a consultation with a therapist to learn more about mental health services offered to parents.
