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: 

• ‘Alcohol advice for the coronavirus outbreak’ with tips for drinking less such as not stockpiling alcohol and not drinking on weekdays. 
• ‘Coping tips and supports for people in recovery’ outlining tips and supports for people who are trying to remain alcohol free, and for those who are in recovery from alcohol addiction. 

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