Utilizing the opportunity of complete lockdown in COVID-19 pandemic for quitting alcohol

Abstract

The Corona Virus Disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has been linked to socioeconomic disruptions and impairment in the quality of life. Alcohol-based hand rubs have been recommended for maintaining hand hygiene when the hands are visibly not dirty, but they have no role in the prevention and treatment of the disease on consumption. It is important to note that in order to reduce the risk of transmission of the infection, many nations have imposed a complete lockdown, and such compulsory restrictions have even affected the sale of alcohol in various consumable forms. From the public health perspective, it should be considered as a window of opportunity to motivate people who are planning to quit drinking or at least significantly reduce the consumption of alcohol. In conclusion, the intake of alcohol does not have any role in the prevention or treatment of the COVID-19 infection. On the contrary, it will be ideal to consider the settings of lockdown as an event which should be utilized for quitting alcohol forever without being exposed to stigma.