Monitor on Psychology Article on Research Topic
In my paper, I address a global topic in nature: binge drinking during the COVID-19 pandemic. Self-isolation can lead to increased consumption of alcoholic beverages. Humans are now surrounded by “potential stressors that can foster more reliance on alcohol” (Huff, 2021, para. 2). In addition, often various traumatic events and natural disasters lead to an increase in overall alcohol consumption in the population. On the other hand, restrictions during a pandemic can help limit drinking alcohol as many restaurants are closed. In any case, these things are personal and depend on the individual, their mental health, willpower, and surrounding circumstances.
Assumptions Made in Research Sources
The central assumption is that the increase in alcohol consumption is related to the COVID-19 situation. “The pandemic’s uncertainty and stress, combined with disrupted routines, may have encouraged some people to progress into heavier drinking habits” (Huff, 2021, para 1). Working remotely online is also conducive to alcohol consumption. People may assume that they can return to their previous routines when concerns about the coronavirus are gone, but it won’t be that easy.
Thoughts About Assumptions Identified
In my opinion, the assumptions are valid because they have some research basis behind them. The constant background presence of stress encourages people to look for ways to relax. However, such a remedy can quickly turn into an addiction. People are now in a difficult situation that puts them before a choice. Nevertheless, despite the statistics and data, much depends on a particular issue, a particular person, his principles, and behavior.
Initial Thoughts and Views on Researched Subject
My thoughts on the subject were almost the same as the assumptions put forward. I also thought that alcohol consumption had increased during the pandemic, and it was noticeable. However, more interesting to me was that there is a more excellent dynamic of increased drinking in families with children: significant stressors can explain this phenomenon. One of the research I studied states that “the presence of children in the home during the pandemic is related to increased drinking behavior among American adults” (Rodriguez et al., 2020, para. 5. Discussion). At the same time, I did not encounter any cases of specific alcoholism because of the COVID-19 situation.
Thoughts and Views on Researched Subject and Their Influence on Behavior
My behavior and alcohol consumption during the pandemic has not changed in any way. As for interpersonal relations, I have heard many stories from my acquaintances about how they now can drink a glass of wine or a bottle of beer while working remotely at home. For them, it is not something outrageous; on the contrary, it is like a nice bonus in the current environment. I can’t say that my attitude has changed towards them, but personally, it is unacceptable. I can assume that if these were my close friends or relatives, I would be wary and take appropriate measures to convey my thoughts on the matter to them.
Thoughts and Views on Researched Subject After Reading Monitor on Psychology Article
Reading the article and the study made me think again about how stressful situations and unfamiliar circumstances can affect a person’s behavior and habits. I became convinced that alcohol addiction is a dangerous problem that can manifest itself in varying degrees. It is essential to have self-control and awareness and the courage to admit the existence of such a problem.
Monitor on Psychology Article’s Influence on Behavior
The knowledge I have gained will help me take this issue more seriously. I will follow the same behavior in the future as I did before: not abusing alcohol during the workday and controlling the amount I consume. An article from the Monitor on Psychology mentions Cathy Witkewitz, an addiction researcher and professor in the psychology department at the University of New Mexico in Albuquerque. She gives some advice on overcoming the urge to drink alcohol. I can use this information for myself in the future and recommend this source to my friends and acquaintances to read.
Monitor on Psychology Article’s Influence on Professional Activities
The information I receive will not have a significant impact on my personal life or professional activities. I had prior knowledge of the problem, so I was responsible for my alcohol-related decisions. I can say that the new information from the sources I read only confirmed my beliefs and my desire to respect my life in different areas of activity.
References
Huff, C. (2021). Drinking, coping, and COVID-19. Monitor on Psychology, 52(1), 20. Web.
Rodriguez, L. M., Litt, D. M., & Stewart, S. H. (2020). Drinking to cope with the pandemic: The unique associations of COVID-19-related perceived threat and psychological distress to drinking behaviors in American men and women. Addictive Behaviors, 110. Web.