The Irish Times did an interesting article on drinking in lock down last week. There was a wide range of stories.
Caitriona Scully: ‘I drank every evening in the first week or two of lock down’
Caitriona drank every evening from a store of prosecco bottles she’d saved for a friend’s hen party. But then she realised how damaging that was so now she’s drinking in a more considered way.
Kevin Feeney: ‘I am a little concerned about this new habit’
Since lockdown started, Kevin is drinking more due to boredom. But he has now cut back to only drinking four nights a week. He aims to cut back once this COVID crisis is over. Otherwise he leads a healthy lifestyle with plenty of exercise and healthy drinks.
Jean Watson: ‘I have not had a drink in five weeks’
While Jean was never a big drinker, she did enjoy a glass of wine of two at the weekend and would open a bottle of wine if she was at home. She decided to use COVID time for some self-care. She has not had a drink in five weeks. She’s eating healthily and walking lots. She can now sleep nine hours in a row and has never felt so well. She does not miss the drink and will be more conscious of what she is drinking in the future.
Orla Purcell: ‘What I really missed was the social aspect of drinking’
Initially, Orla drank a little extra wine to calm her nerves at the start of the restrictions. She excused herself saying it was medicinal! Then, she realised it was the social aspect of drinking she missed so she stopped completely. She’s now sleeping better, and feeling better. We’ve seen this so many times, drinking impacts our sleeping and our anxiety
Gerry Gilligan: ‘I’m looking forward to pubs opening’
Gerry’s usual routine would have been four or five pints of Guinness on a Saturday evening with friends in local pub. On Wednesdays after golf, he’d have one pint of mid-strength Guinness. Once or twice a month he’d have a few pints on a Thursday afternoon. He’d probably have a bottle of wine a week too, and occasionally a glass of Cognac. Since cocooning started, he’s had a bottle of beer with his evening meal.
Sadly, Gerry probably does n’t know that he’s increasing his risk of getting the COVID virus. He’s drinking above the low risk drinking guidelines and is also binge drinking.
So lots of different stories about drinking during the lock down and good to see so many people are managing their drinking so well.
You can read the full article here.
