AA is here to help

By Sean Feagan, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Some Canadians are finding themselves consuming more alcohol as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic – but supports are available for those whose drinking is becoming a problem.

In a nation-wide poll released by Nanos Research, one in five Canadians staying at home more because of the pandemic reported an increase in the amount and frequency of their alcohol consumption. They cited lack of a regular schedule and boredom as the most commonly reported reasons for drinking more.

Eight per cent of respondents who are staying at home more and drink alcohol said that at least once since the onset of the pandemic, they have not been able to stop drinking once they start.

For those wanting to consume alcohol safely, the province provides “low-risk drinking guidelines” to minimize risks associated with consuming alcohol. Men are recommended to limit their alcohol consumption to three drinks a day and 15 drinks a week, while women should stop at two drinks a day and 10 drinks a week, according to the guidelines.

However, the level of alcohol consumption considered safe varies by person, as alcohol can affect people differently, and its impact depends on factors such as age, sex, weight and health history.

Alcohol can become a problem when negative consequences arise from drinking. People with alcohol consumption challenges vary in terms of how they consume alcohol, the issues they are facing and the lives they live. However, factors to consider in determining if there is a problem include the amount a person drinks, the frequency they drink, if a person has difficulty sticking to limits, is being preoccupied with drinking or is causing concerns for others.

While coping with alcohol abuse and addiction can be challenging for individuals and their families, judgment-free help is available. The province provides three 24-hour hotlines for advice and referral to services, including the Addictions Helpline (1-866-332-2322), Health Link (8-1-1) and the Mental Health Help Line (1-877-303-2642).

Supports for alcoholism include resources such as books, videos or information sessions, inpatient and outpatient treatment programs, counselling and self-help programs.

Some people have found success addressing addiction through Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), a self-help program providing group meetings and peer-to-peer supports. AA also provides a 24-hour hotline (403-777-1212) connecting callers with other members.

Details about AA meetings in the Calgary region, including Strathmore, can be found online (https://calgaryaa.org/meetings/). While the Strathmore meetings (12×12 Group, New Life Group, Highway People and Sunset Discussion Group) are temporarily cancelled due to the pandemic, physical meetings are available in Calgary, and a range of online meetings are offered via Zoom, the digital meeting platform. AA also provides a smartphone app called Meeting Guide that can help direct people to meetings.