A member of the Substance Misuse Service in the South East believes we will see an increase in people presenting with alcohol problems in the coming months.
It's after more than half of Irish people, who responded to a global survey about drugs and alcohol use, say they are drinking more since the Covid-19 restrictions were brought in.
Here in Waterford the service is based at St Otteran's Hospital and can be contacted on 051 848 658.
John Leahy is the HSE Drug Education Officer in the South East
"We can see it coming down the line because we're looking at the drinks industry, the sales in off licences have increased so that would be an indicator down the line that we would be seeing people presenting with problems.
"We are getting a few phone calls, we're getting people concerned about their family members as well."
He says alcohol can have huge negative effects on people's mental health:
"Times have been very stressful the last couple of months, people have been out of work, even spending more time at home than normal - living with your family having no outlet.
"We do know that when people are in those situations they can turn to drinking a bit more alcohol than normal and it can be a concern.
"The knock on effect of that is increasing the stressful time that is there already."
John Leahy has this advice:
"When you do go to the supermarket don't stockpile alcohol, maybe buy a bit less because if it's there you are going to drink more.
"Look at other ways you can relax without using alcohol consumption, pick up a hobby, start reading, go for a walk."
