Decreased access to alcohol may be necessary amid CIVD-19

Since the COVID-19 pandemic began, alcohol sales across the United States have surged. In many states, alcohol outlets have been designated as essential businesses, and sales of alcohol had increased by 55 percent by the end of March, when we were all urged to stay at home according to Newsweek.  In New Mexico, liquor stores have not been considered as essential, however, alcohol has been readily available in many other outlets, such as supermarkets and gas stations.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has specifically warned about alcohol use during the pandemic. WHO advised that alcohol consumption during emergencies can intensify health vulnerabilities, risk-taking behavior, violence and mental-health and substance-abuse issues.

Social isolation and distancing from family, friends and support networks, not being able to work, economic uncertainty, being stuck in the house for too long and worrying about COVID-19 has heightened anxiety and depression for many. These factors may contribute to people self-medicating with alcohol or to fill their time by drinking out of boredom.

Adding to this concern is the fact that alcohol increases risks of conflict and domestic violence. Also, people who drink, smoke or use other substances may already have impaired immune systems, which increases their risk of infection by COVID-19. 

Over time, alcohol impairs the body’s immune function and especially the lungs’ ability to combat infection. 

The Unified Prevention Coalition of Doña Ana County (UP!) encourages people to limit their alcohol consumption as one step that can be taken to stay healthy. Also never provide alcohol to those under the age of 21.

In addition to the steps individuals can take, there are measures cities and municipalities can take to reduce potential alcohol-related harms by limiting the hours and days of alcohol sales and limiting the amount of alcohol that can be purchased at one time.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Taskforce on Community Prevention Services advises that if cities take steps to reduce alcohol availability, they could prevent excessive alcohol use and mitigate the multitude of related harms.

Taking advantage of this opportunity to provide sensible limits on alcohol sales will protect the public from a potential surge in alcohol-related violence, as well as reduce the likelihood of the myriad of other potential physical and mental health issues that could arise.

Alyssa Myrick is a Program Specialist with The Center for Health Innovation, New Mexico’s Public Health Institute. She is the lead coordinator for the local youth substance use/misuse prevention group, the Unified Prevention (UP!) Coalition.