We’ve found that one of the hardest experiences is to feel like you’re the only one who’s struggling.

In theory, we all know these past two years have been difficult, but it can sometimes feel like everyone else is doing well and feeling hopeful, that COVID lockdowns are over for the most part, and that people are ready to go back to the office and to travel and have fun again.

It can be really isolating if you feel worried about the future or discouraged in the present, particularly if those feelings have led you to drink more than you’d like to cope.

Well, we have news for you: you’re not alone.

A recent study found that there was a 22% increase in deaths related to drinking alcohol in 2021 compared to the previous year. The increase was particularly bad among young people 25-44, who might have felt most acutely the social isolation caused by COVID, and struggled with parenting young children while working from home. And as you might guess, 2020 was already a bad year, with a 25% increase of its own.

Another survey found that just over 60% - 3 in 5 - Irish adults admitted to drinking frequently to cope with the pandemic in 2021, and once again, the youngest generation were the most likely to do so.

All this is just by way of saying: if you’re drinking too much because you’re coping with some tough feelings right now, you’re so not alone.

Obviously, drinking is not a viable solution for sleep disorders, anxiety or depression (in fact, it can worsen all three!). So if you have fallen into a pattern of self-destructive drinking behavior, consider making changes with some support. If you’re looking to cut back or quit drinking, we’d love to help. Drinker’s Helper is an app that provides motivational exercises, drink tracking and insights into why you drink, and a personalized support group of your peers to help you make needed changes. You can try it out for free for a week before joining.

All the best of luck with your goals,

The Drinker’s Helper Team