Don't forget: Ingested ethanol does not kill the virus. He kills you.

Anyone who likes memes (comedy images that circulate on the internet) knows: the use of alcohol in social isolation, a measure to prevent the spread of the 2019 coronavirus, is apparently free. Distributors see a 38% increase in sales. Jokes and fake news even say that the harmful substance is protective against infection and improves immunity. Problem in sight!

For those who work with this, the situation is shaky. The triggers multiplied. The levels of anxiety and domestic problems are enhanced, and virtual meetings with friends, happy hour, have become the only way to socialize. This in itself would, in fact, be very positive, were it not for this habit combined with the increase in alcohol consumption. And this, in turn, increases the chances of drinking alone, behavior that is more related to uncontrolled use and worsening anxious and depressive symptoms.

Presence in face-to-face employment has an important inhibiting role in consumption. With time issues relaxed, as well as people working in pajamas and even giving up personal hygiene habits, many weekend consumers are showing themselves to be inhibited drinkers, who start to use them daily.

In addition to the biological, psychological and social problems related to the discounted use of the drug ethanol, there are specific aggravating factors. Alcohol impairs immunity and predisposes people without other risk factors (and aggravates those who already have them) to respiratory distress syndrome, perhaps the biggest killer related to COVID19.
Fortunately, there is AA online, therapists, psychiatrists , all available. It would be a pity that a relatively short stressful period would bring, for the individual's life, a problem that will accompany him for the rest of his life.

Don't forget: Ingested ethanol does not kill the virus. It kills you.

Text by Psychiatrist Emmanuel Kanter of the CEFI team Integration - Team specialized in the treatment of Chemical Dependence