In response to the Covid-19 outbreak, the HSE Alcohol Programme in Health and Well being has developed a number of resources that we would like to share. This includes information on the AskAboutAlcohol website and a poster developed with the Department of Health.
Information and supports for people who drink alcohol are particularly important at this time. Recent data from a survey conducted by the CSO found that 22% of adults who drink are consuming more alcohol since the introduction of Covid-19 restrictions, and a smaller percentage of 17% reported a decrease. People were more likely to report an increase in consumption of alcohol if they were younger, unemployed prior to and since COVID-19, living in urban areas, feeling depressed or lonely, or very concerned about household stress due to confinement.
AskAboutAlcohol resources
On the AskAboutAlcohol website, we have published two blogs:
These blogs, as well as other content on the AskAboutAlcohol website, are being promoted via social media posts. We have seen increasing numbers using the alcohol Self Assessment Tool on the site as a result.
Poster
In collaboration with the Department of Health, we have published a Covid-19 poster with key messages for reducing the harms associated with alcohol and for supporting recovery. It is available to download on the healthpromotion.ie website here
USI blog
We have worked with the Union of Students in Ireland (USI) to develop a blog post on ‘Alcohol advice for students during Covid-19’, which has been published on the usi.ie website.
Drugs.ie resources
Our colleagues in Social Inclusion have information on alcohol counselling and treatment services that are currently available during the Covid-19 outbreak, available here.
HSE Drug and Alcohol Helpline
The HSE Drug and Alcohol Helpline continues to be available on 1800 459459 and by email