Before 2019, many workplaces offered the option of remote work, but due to the coronavirus pandemic, working from home is more common than ever. Even as many companies require their employees to return to the office, many choose to allow remote work to continue.
But this revolution has not come without its disadvantages. One of the most troubling impacts of working from home is increased daytime drinking. After all, drinking and mental health are inextricably linked, and a spike in alcohol consumption in people who work from home leads to mental health concerns for many people.
Because experts estimate that 25% of all North American jobs will be remote by the end of 2022, 1 understanding its detrimental impacts on mental health is essential.
Remote Work and Daytime Drinking
One survey says that nearly 42% of a surveyed 13,000 workers reported drinking while working remotely, 2 indicating that a shocking number of people who work an average of 15 hours a week at home turn to daytime drinking, even while on the clock. 3
Early in the pandemic, the World Health Organization predicted that remote workers would be at a higher risk of developing an alcohol use disorder. 4 Specifically, they attribute such a phenomenon to the lack of social cues in remote work and the freedom that being at home offers. These break down inhibiting restraints and cause more people to turn to alcohol earlier in the day.
It seems that the WHO has made an accurate prediction since the frequency of alcohol consumption rose by as much as 21% during the pandemic. 5
Social isolation makes drinking easier, which can lead to dependency. A study found that there is a link between loneliness and poor health behaviors, including alcohol use disorders. 6 It is also easier to hide alcohol consumption when working remotely than it is in person, and it’s easily argued that there are fewer risks to daytime drinking if you are at home.
Drinking and Mental Health: Its Impacts on Wellbeing
Alcohol is known to impact physical health. Immediate, common side effects of drinking too much include:
- Slurred speech
- Blurred vision
- Stomach pain
- Vomiting
- Headaches
There are also severe long-term health risks that people who overuse alcohol face, including organ damage, stomach ulcers, and obesity, as well as cancers of the mouth, esophagus, and liver.
What is less commonly known is the impact that high levels of alcohol consumption have on mental health.
Alcohol slows down your central nervous system, which controls many functions, including thought processes. Although alcohol can seem like a way to decrease depression, anxiety, and stress, it can exacerbate them because it depletes essential chemicals in the brain that help reduce anxiety naturally. This results in an increase in anxiety, which leads to a cycle of more drinking and more anxiety.
Heavy drinking can also lead to depression. By attacking the chemicals that regulate mood, alcohol makes it much more difficult to return to a healthy base level.
Alcohol is also linked to an increased tendency to self-harm and even suicide. When combined with the feelings of isolation that people can experience when working remotely, those at risk are even more so when working from home.
Ways to Help Yourself
If you find yourself struggling with drinking and mental health concerns while working from home, there are ways you can help yourself.
Assess Your Drinking and Mental Health
You must assess your drinking levels as honestly and objectively as possible. Consider whether it interferes with your daily tasks and whether you think you can’t manage your day without alcohol.
Remove Alcoholic Drinks from Your Home
Not having immediate access to alcohol can help reduce your consumption levels. Making it harder for yourself to drink can also clearly show you if it’s becoming a dependency or not.
Take Breaks
One of the reasons people turn to alcohol while they work is stress. By identifying when work becomes overwhelming, you can stop and assess your anxiety levels. Instead of turning to alcohol, you can engage in anxiety-lowering activities, like exercise and being outdoors.
You want to also keep track of the hours you work. Those who work remotely tend to overwork, which leads to higher stress because it increases cortisol levels, the stress hormone. 7
Stay Connected
Since isolation and feelings of loneliness can increase the chances of turning to alcohol, reaching out to coworkers or friends throughout the day is important. Whether by texting or video conference calls, social interactions can make a difference.
Ask for Help
If you find that your levels of drinking and mental health concerns are increasing, reaching out for help is crucial. You can turn to loved ones for support and find experts who can offer the tools you need to deal with an alcohol use disorder.
Drinking and Mental Health – Get the Support You Need
If you are struggling with drinking and mental health worries, reaching out to a center like Desert Cove Recovery can allow you to get the assistance you need, especially if you need alcohol rehab in Scottsdale. Our outpatient alcohol addiction treatment center offers holistic help, treating both the body and the mind. Call us today for help.
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