A recent study by the Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction (CCSA) says many Canadians have increased their alcohol intake during the current COVID-19 health crisis.
Among Canadians, the CCSA reported that 25 per cent of people between 35 to 54 years old and 21 per cent of Canadians between 18 and 34 say they have increased their drinking while they are self-isolating at home.
However, many people are staying off the roads, and obviously, aren't travelling after drinking alcohol at restaurants, bars and events.
In York Region, there was a 29 per cent decrease in impaired-related criminal charges throughout York Region’s nine municipalities in March.
The decrease in impaired driving is a trend apparent in Barrie, too.
"Clearly (that) has to do with establishments not being open and people staying home more," Barrie police spokesperson Peter Leon said.
The CCSA poll also found that the main reasons for the increase among those who report drinking more are a lack of regular schedule (51 per cent), boredom (49 per cent), and stress (44 per cent).
Overall, 94 per cent of Canadians report they are currently staying at home more due to COVID-19.
However, while impaired driving incidents have reduced, police said calls for domestic incidents have increased by 22 per cent since the near-lockdown has taken effect in the region.
Newmarket’s seasonal homeless shelter, Inn from the Cold, has seen an influx of new clients seeking shelter because of family conflict at home.
And with job layoffs and reduced income during this time of disruption, those who turn up at the shelter for the first time say they can’t afford a hotel room or stay with family due to physical distancing.
Leon said there has been an increase in domestic issues in Barrie in the five weeks since provincial orders asked people to stay home.
“There is a lot of stress at this time with people being laid off and feeling stuck in their homes,” Leon said. “It doesn’t matter how big your house is, when there is all the financial strain and stress about the health crisis itself. It takes a toll. People argue and with no distractions like sports or outdoor activities, it can add up quickly.”
For information on support for victims of domestic violence, visit Women’s Centre of York Region here.
— With files from Kim Champion
