Alcohol – a pseudoantidote for the temporary suspension of work in the coronavirus pandemic or the effects of previously unrelated crisis? (individual case study)

Abstract

The study attempts to present the endo- and exogenous as well as circumstantial-situational links between previous crises and the first lockdown in the coronavirus pandemic and excessive drinking by women in this next difficult period. Based on the method of individual case study, it uses a partially guided interview, combined with observation and the CAGE test, to show the events in a woman’s life in her subjective perception and evaluation. The respondent presented numerous adaptation difficulties, detailing the crises which she tried to solve in inconsistent ways, rather ad hoc alone and/or with the partial help of other people. Quite often, a woman drowned out crises, escaping to perform professional and non-professional duties. Thus, unresolved crises accumulated and took the form of chronic crises (Jagieła, 2009, pp. 26‒27).

The coronavirus pandemic, the first lockdown, temporary suspension of work, the inability to implement further career plans, large financial difficulties in connection with work, excess free time and accompanying psychosomatic ailments resulted in the respondent looking for ways out of these oppressions. The woman undertook more or less rational and irrational actions. In quite special circumstances, she also chose to drink alcohol excessively.