Every year, from November 15 to December 15, the Month of the Fight against Alcoholism and Other Addictions is celebrated.

In the covid-pandemic, it is necessary and important to be informed about other health risks in order to better deal with the current situation.

Myths about alcohol and covid-19

Myth: By consuming alcohol we destroy the virus that causes covid-19.
Fact: Alcohol consumption will not destroy the virus. On the contrary, it increases the risk of deteriorating health if a person becomes infected with the virus. Alcohol (with a minimum concentration of 60%), acts as a skin disinfectant, but leaves a harmful effect on the body when consumed.

Myth: Consumption of strong alcohol kills the virus that we inhaled with the air.
Fact: Alcohol consumption does not kill the virus and does not disinfect the mouth and throat. It also does not provide any protection against covid-19.

Myth: Alcohol (beer, wine, distilled spirits and vegetable alcohol) boosts immunity and resistance to the virus.
Fact: Alcohol has a detrimental effect on the immune system and does not stimulate the immune system and the resistance of the virus.

Alcohol and the Covid-19 pandemic - recommendations of the World Health Organization (WHO)

- Avoid alcohol so as not to damage the immunity.
- Stay sober so you can be cautious and make good decisions not only for yourself but also for your family and the people around you.
- Avoid alcohol as an excuse to smoke cigarettes and vice versa, smoking is associated with significant complications and progression of the covid-19 virus.
- Make sure children and younger family members do not have access to alcohol and do not allow them to experiment with alcohol - be a good example for children.
- Talk to children and young people about the problems that alcohol can cause in the covid-pandemic, such as breach of measures because it can worsen the situation for everyone.
- Monitor how much time your children spend on screen (including TV) and watch alcohol commercials, which may encourage consumption.
- Never mix alcohol with drugs, even when it comes to herbal medicines. Alcohol reduces the effect of drugs or increases their effect to a level where they become dangerous.
- Do not consume alcohol if you are taking any medicine that acts on the central nervous system (painkillers, sleeping pills, antidepressants, etc.), as alcohol can impair liver function and cause liver failure or other serious problems.

Alcohol and isolation

Because alcohol poses a risk to health and safety, it should be avoided during isolation.
1. If you work from home, try to follow the rules that are in line with the workplace and do not drink. You should know that after the lunch break you still have to work, which is not possible if you are under the influence of alcohol.
2. Alcohol is not part of your daily diet and should not be a priority on your shopping list. Avoid storing alcohol at home as this can potentially increase consumption and make it a habit in your household to drink it.
3. It is better to invest time, money and other resources in buying healthy food, which will improve your health and stimulate the body's immune response.
4. You may think that alcohol helps you deal with stressful situations, but it really is not a good way to deal with stress. Alcohol is known to increase the symptoms of anxiety and depression, as well as the risk of domestic violence.
5. Do not expose alcohol to children and other younger family members and do not consume alcohol in front of them.
6. Conflicts in the family, abuse and neglect of the child can be further encouraged if a family member is prone to alcohol consumption, especially in large families where isolation from the drinking family member is impossible.
7. Alcohol used for disinfection is important to keep out of the reach of children and minors, especially if they consume alcohol, as these agents can be misused.
8. Alcohol consumption can increase during self-isolation, and alcohol and isolation can increase the risk of suicidal thoughts, so it is important to reduce alcohol consumption.
9. Alcohol is closely linked to violence, including partner violence, which is further exacerbated by alcohol consumption. If you are a victim of violence and are forced to live in a common space with the abuser, seek help and support from friends or other family members. You can also contact support services for victims of domestic violence for help.