Many of us are now working from home. For some, this will only be for the duration of a lockdown, while others have found themselves moved permanently to home-working. While working from home does have its advantages, there are many drawbacks, too. Stress, isolation and worry about the future can hit especially hard, particularly if you can’t go out and enjoy your normal recreation. The lines between working life and home life become blurred, and it can be tough to adapt. This leaves many people vulnerable to alcohol abuse.
The conventional work day offered many people a safe period within which they wouldn’t be tempted to consume alcohol. Without that safety net, however, it can be harder to avoid drinking during the day. In a recent survey, over one-third of respondents stated that they expect to drink more alcohol while self-isolating. Instead of waiting till the evening to take that first drink, many people are now drinking throughout the day.
Facing adversity often sends people in search of something to help regulate their stress levels. For many, unfortunately, this means turning to alcohol. The most commonly consumed beverage is beer, but many people report imbibing stronger drinks too. Wine, cocktails and straight spirits are consumed by homeworkers under pressure. Women are as vulnerable as men — perhaps more so, as they are more prone to consume cocktails or wine, which have a higher alcohol content. Women also have a lower alcohol tolerance than men.
It can be very difficult to cope with this new situation. Many people are now faced with the dual demands of work and childcare, having to try and supervise their children’s online lessons while also staying on top of their own work. It can be difficult to bring in staff to help, due to the risks posed by having someone from outside your household enter your home. Even if you’re able to support a live-in nanny or au pair, the situation can become a very complex one to navigate.
Many people have prepared for lockdown by stocking up on food and household goods. Unfortunately, this also means that there is more alcohol in the home than usual. People who would have bought alcohol in more modest quantities as a way of avoiding excessive consumption are now faced with a situation where large amounts of alcohol are easily to hand.
It can be tempting to try and ignore the amount you’re drinking, telling yourself that it’s a temporary measure to cope with a short-term problem. Alternatively, problem drinkers may be too embarrassed to seek help with their alcohol consumption, attempting to conquer their urge to drink through willpower alone.
Problem drinking isn’t a temporary problem, however. Once you’ve raised your alcohol consumption, it can be difficult to rein it in again when your situation changes. Neither is problem drinking a personal failing that you can tackle through willpower. When you’re faced with a situation where you or a loved one are struggling with problem drinking, it’s important to seek help as soon as you can.
At The Dunes, our mission is to help you find freedom from alcohol and other addictions. Our caring staff and highly skilled therapists are ready to assist you in your journey towards recovery. We offer residential addiction programs at our beautiful luxury facilities, where you can benefit from a safe and secure environment and a range of therapies. For those who can’t take a break from work, Executive Rehab Program lets you stay connected to the professional world via phone, email, Skype etc. Contact us today to find out how we can help you during this difficult time.