Alcohol & Covid-19 (coronavirus)

Covid-19 has impacted every aspect of daily life, but now restrictions have been lifted. Over the past few years, many of us have formed new habits. Some may be healthy habits that would be beneficial to keep up and others might not. It’s never too late to break an unhealthy habit to protect your health and wellbeing. In this hub, you’ll learn about practical ways to cut down or cut out alcohol and advice to develop healthier coping strategies that don’t involve alcohol.

As society has reopened fully, there are many opportunities to socialise with friends and family. Remember to keep track of your drinking habits and be aware of the HSE low-risk weekly alcohol guidelines.

The Drinkaware team is here to help – join us on Instagram and Facebook for tips, tools and online events.

  • Protecting your mental health

    Over half of adults in Ireland use alcohol as a way to cope with stress, anxiety or to cheer themselves up. However, drinking to cope with these feelings is likely to have the opposite effect. It will not help to make you feel better and can contribute to the development of new problems.

    There are many different actions we can take to protect our own and our loved ones’ mental wellbeing.

    Read more

  • Explore some tips for mindful drinking at home

    Now that life resembles pre-COVID ‘normality’, it could be a good time to rethink your drinking habits. Let’s use this time to explore the sober curious lifestyle and think about our relationship with alcohol.

    There are new stresses with the reopening of society and the rising cases of Covid-19. If you catch yourself reaching for a glass of wine of bottle of beer to reduce stress,  try our tips and make a change.

    Read more

  • Parenting during a pandemic

    Parenting can be challenging at the best of times, but it may have become particularly challenging during the pandemic. There are concerns about the impact of Covid on children and young people. Tensions and anxieties may still be running high, so it is really important that you, as parents, care for yourselves.

    Read more

  • ALCOHOL AND YOUR IMMUNE SYSTEM

    The HSE advises that you are more at risk of serious illness if you catch coronavirus and you have a weak immune system (immunosuppressed), among other at-risk groups. Did you know that drinking too much can impair the immune system in a number of ways?

    Read more

  • STAYING WELL WORKING AT HOME

    For many, remote and hybrid working has become normalised. This is beneficial for some, and difficult for others. What is most important to remember is to keep up or create a usual workday routine and look after your wellbeing.

    Read more

  • ALCOHOL AND YOUR SLEEP

    Alcohol is a sedative which is why people often say that alcohol can help get you to sleep. While this may be true, there are some significant caveats to understand that are perhaps less discussed or widely known.

    Stress and new routines may have affected your sleep patterns, it’s even more important now to remember that drinking alcohol will have a negative impact on the quality of your sleep.

    Read more

FOLLOW HSE GUIDANCE TO SLOW THE SPREAD OF COVID-19

  • Wash your hands properly and regularly with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand rub.
  • Cover your mouth and nose with a bent elbow or tissue when you cough and sneeze. Throw the tissue away and wash your hands.
  • Avoid touching your face, especially eyes, nose and mouth.
  • Wear a face covering on public transport, in shops and other indoor settings.
  • If you feel unwell, stay at home and follow HSE advice
  • Download the COVID-19 Tracker App now

HELPFUL LINKS TO SUPPORT

Here is a list of other national charities who are going above and beyond to support their communities throughout this time, and links to our government’s response efforts.

HSE Stress Control Programme
An evidence-based programme that teaches you practical skills to deal with stress. Dr Jim White will live-stream the classes free-of-charge.

Gov.ie Parents Centre
Trusted sources for updates on Covid-19 and links to key information about supporting your family to stay safe and well during this period.

Gov.ie In This Together campaign
Advice, tips and activities on how you can look after your mental wellbeing, stay active and stay connected.

Alone
Alone operates a Covid-19 support line for older people
Call 0818 222 024 (8am to 8pm, Monday to Friday)

Marie Keating Foundation
Nurses are available to answer questions you have regarding Covid-19
Call 01 628 3728
Email info@mariekeating.ie

Irish Cancer Society
Phone and online support for anyone undergoing cancer treatment and is concerned about Covid-19
Cancer Nurseline 1800 200 700 (9am to 8pm, Mon to Thurs, 9am to 5pm, Fri to Sun)
Online enquiry form

Irish Heart Foundation
Irish Heart Foundation nurses provide support for people living with the effects of heart disease or stroke (9am to 5pm, Mon to Fri)
Call 01 668 5001
Email support@irishheart.ie

Diabetes Ireland
Phone and online support for people living with diabetes
Helpline 01 842 8118
Email info@diabetes.ie

Women’s Aid
Providing phone support and information to callers experiencing abuse from intimate partners.
National Freephone Helpline 1800 341 900 (24 hours a day, seven days a week)

Irish Men’s Sheds Association
Phone and email advice and support to men’s shed members.
Call 01 891 6150
Email info@menssheds.ie

Aware
Information and support to anyone over 18 about issues relating to their own mood or the mood of a friend or family member, or who experiences depression or bipolar.
Freephone Support Line 1800 80 48 48 (from 10am to 10pm every day)
Email supportmail@aware.ie

Pieta House
Phone and text-based support counselling for people who are suicidal or engaging in self-harm
Freephone 1800 247 247 (any time, day or night)
Text HELP to 51444 (standard message rates apply)

Mental Health Ireland
Information and support for people who experience mental health difficulties
Information line 01 284 1166 (9am to 5pm, Mon to Fri)
Email info@mentalhealthireland.ie

ISPCC/Childline
Ireland’s 24-hour national listening service for young people up to the age of 18
Freephone 1800 666 666 (any time, day or night)
Text 50101 (10am to 4pm every day)
Chat online at www.childline.ie (10am to 4pm every day)

Spunout.ie
Ireland’s youth information website created by young people, for young people.
Text SPUNOUT to 086 1800 280