Medical staff, poor and unemployed at higher risk of alcohol abuse
The non-governmental organisation Addiction Switzerland has warned that stress and lack of a structured routine during the coronavirus pandemic can lead to overconsumption of alcohol.
This content was published on
1 minute
SDA-Keystone/ac
Русский
ru
Швейцарцы стали больше пить алкоголя в период самоизоляции?
Overall, Addiction SwitzerlandExternal link expects a decrease in alcohol consumption due to the confinement measures imposed by the government to combat the spread of Covid-19. Studies on alcohol consumption in times of crisis show a decline in alcohol consumption among moderate drinkers.
However, on Wednesday, the organisation warned that the Covid-19 crisis can aggravate alcohol problems in people who already drink heavily. Vulnerable groups include people with few social or financial resources, those who use alcohol as a self-medication to relieve stress (such as medical staff) or those who are confronted with a less structured daily routine or are unemployed.
Addiction Switzerland called for urgent measures to detect and prevent alcohol problems in vulnerable groups in particular at an early stage. Monitoring average alcohol consumption or sales figures is not enough, the charity warned.
Apart from alcohol-related problems, Addiction Switzerland predicts that Covid-19 will most likely lead to long-lasting psychological problems such as sleep disorders, anxiety disorders, post-traumatic stress and depression in many people.
More
More
What people in Switzerland are addicted to
This content was published on
Besides drinking and smoking, the list of addictions is getting longer with trends like vaping and online gambling.
First large-scale alpine solar plant approved in Switzerland
This content was published on
The approval was met with satisfaction by the project's organisers, but it also brings with it a certain amount of pressure.
Medieval squirrels may have ‘helped spread leprosy’
This content was published on
An examination of squirrel remains in the United Kingdom has opened up interesting questions and possibilities in terms of the history of the disease.
Swiss money laundering office registers record number of reports
This content was published on
The Money Laundering Reporting Office Switzerland (MROS) registered a record number of reports of suspicious activity last year.
Two teens accused of planning terror attack released from custody
This content was published on
The Schaffhausen judiciary has released the two teenagers from custody who allegedly planned bomb attacks in Switzerland.
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.
Read more
More
Experts warn of ‘confusing’ range of addictive products
This content was published on
The Addiction Switzerland foundation has called for clear rules for the licensing of potentially addictive consumer products on the Swiss market.
Drug addiction: ‘I pretended I had it under control’
This content was published on
Reda explains what it was like being a junkie, about the culture of lying, and how the highs are not as great as people might think.
Micro-breweries battle for space in growing Swiss beer market
This content was published on
Switzerland’s love of beer is driving a boom in local craft beer brewers. Now home to more than 1,000 breweries, is there a risk of market saturation?
You can find an overview of ongoing debates with our journalists here . Please join us!
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.