Let's talk about COVID-drinking

It can take just 66 days to form a habit.

For most Australians, this is around how long lockdown lasted. For Victorian’s it’s happening all over again. The habits we picked up are more than just baking, jigsaws and singing along to your handwashing.

Since COVID-19 started, some of us have reported drinking a bit more than before.

While this might just be a few extra drinks, small changes can become harder to shift over time.

Importantly, even small increases in the amount of alcohol you drink can take a toll on your finances, and relationships and have lasting impacts on your physical and mental health.

In Bayside, on average, we drink a bit more than other Victorians even under normal circumstances - when surveyed about their regular alcohol consumption, 27% of Bayside females and 46% of Bayside males were drinking amounts of alcohol (on a weekly basis) that would lead to long-term health risks. This level of alcohol use is significantly higher in Bayside, compared to Victoria.

Bayside adults - both male and female - reported that they also have consumed high levels of alcohol on single occasions (binge drinking) significantly increasing their risk of injury, compared to all Victorians.

We know it's been a bit tough lately, but reflecting on COVID-drinking can help to set yourself up for success as we start to take control of our lives again.

The message from the Alcohol and Drug Foundation is simple; we're all still in this together, and there's lots of help and support out there to help you kick the habit.

Go to littlehabit.com.au for information on how to recognise problem signs around drinking and find out more about what to do to turn your little habit around.

Find out more

*As reported in the Victorian Population Health Survey 2017