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pandemic pressure: parents with young kids drinking more
'this is concerning because these alcohol problems could worsen over time.'
sep 8 2020
2 minute read
york university researchers found that alcohol may be a main coping strategy among stressed out parents, particularly those living with children under the age of 18.
getty
canadians are reportedly drinking more than before the pandemic, and according to a new study, that is particularly true for parents.
in a survey of 320 canadians, york university researchers found that alcohol may be a main coping strategy among stressed out parents, particularly those living with children under the age of 18.
“while the pandemic has been challenging for everyone, our data suggest that parents’ well-being was especially impacted,” says york university assistant professor matthew keogh, who co-led the study. “parents have been coping with many stressors and responsibilities during covid-19, which potentially include working from home, homeschooling young children, and managing their own negative emotions.”
the study, published in the alcoholism: clinical and experimental research journal, surveyed canadians shortly after the onset of the pandemic. researchers noted that during the first few months of covid-19, millions of canadians faced significant financial hardship linked to job loss, reduced work hours and adjusting to working from home. coupled with the fear and uncertainty of the virus, and the inaccessibility of supports like community groups, recreational facilities and places of worship, the use of substances as a pandemic coping mechanism has become a public health concern.
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in particular, canadian parents faced unique stressors and challenges.
“given that day cares and schools across canada were closed during the early stages of the pandemic, parents may have experienced increased stress (e.g., due to increased childcare demands and conflicting obligations to children and work), which could have increased their likelihood of using alcohol as a coping strategy,” the york researchers suggested in the study.
canadian guidelines currently recommend that women should consume no more than two alcoholic drinks per day, or 10 total per week. men should consume no more than three drinks per day, or 15 per week.
in a series of national surveys on mental health and substance use, camh found that canadians are experiencing increasing rates of anxiety, depression and feelings of loneliness.
the york university survey highlighted that those experiencing depression and social disconnection also reported using alcohol to cope with the pandemic.
clinical psychologist and study co-leader jeffrey wardell warns that using alcohol to deal with stressful situations can lead to substance issues. “this is concerning because these alcohol problems could worsen over time, suggesting it may be important to help these individuals find more positive coping strategies rather than using alcohol to cope,” he says.
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