OK: Isolation could lead to alcohol consumption issues, expert says
by Joe Mussatto
April 5, 2020
Dr. Kimberlee Wilson is already thinking about the next wave of patients she might see once the surge of coronavirus cases dips and normalcy returns.
Wilson, who specializes in addiction psychiatry, is the medical director at Arcadia Trails Center for Addiction Recovery in Edmond. As liquor stores report an increase in sales, Wilson warned that the pairing of self isolation and heavy drinking could come with consequences.
“It’s easy for people to consume way more than the normal risky drinking limits,” Wilson said. “And in conditions when they’re alone more, and they can’t occupy themselves by healthy alternatives, they tend to drink more. And then we see more depression. We see more health problems as a result of that. And the next thing you know, someone has alcohol dependence.”
Moderate alcohol consumption, as defined by the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, is up to one drink per day for women and up to two drinks per day for men.
Alcoholic beverage sales were up 55% in the third week of March compared to the same time a year ago, according to Nielsen market research.
People are drinking at home since bars have closed. But the sales numbers don’t necessarily point to more consumption.
“Is it any more than it would’ve been if they were going to bars?” Wilson asked. “Maybe. I don’t think we would know that without quantifying it with a study. But the concern is that people are consuming while isolated.”
Alcoholism and depression are often related, Wilson explained.
“It’s kind of like the chicken or the egg concept,” she said. “Because alcohol is a depressant chemical, it can cause someone to become depressed if they weren’t before. Likewise, someone who has depressive disorder can use alcohol as a way to cope with that and then develop alcohol dependence. It’s really tricky.”
Wilson encouraged everyone to make at least one human connection per day.
“People who are struggling with a substance problem or any mental health disorder, they really need human support,” Wilson said. “If you aren’t struggling with this but you know someone who is at risk or volatile, reach out to them and make sure you connect with them. Just call them.”