After the upheaval brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, the discussion around alcohol consumption has gained urgent attention. A surge of stress-related drinking fueled by the pandemic appears to be continuing long after societal restrictions have eased, raising concerns among health experts about individuals’ relationships with alcohol.
A new study led by Dr. Brian Lee, a transplant hepatologist at Keck Medicine of the University of Southern California, found evidence indicating alcohol use didn’t taper off post-pandemic as many had hoped. Instead, it has remained significantly high among U.S. adults. "I was hopeful we would see declines, but the reality is we’ve seen liver failures rise, which is really concerning,” Lee shared. This unsettling trend highlights the serious medical consequences related to increased alcohol consumption during stressful times.
According to the study published on November 12, 2024, in the Annals of Internal Medicine, alcohol use data were collected from nearly 25,000 respondents before the pandemic, then compared to about 31,000 individuals interviewed during the pandemic and around 27,000 surveyed more recently. The findings revealed patterns of increased consumption across all demographics. By 2022, around 69.3% of Americans reported consuming alcohol, up slightly from 69% in 2020 and significantly from 66.34% recorded prior to the pandemic.
Heavy drinking, defined as consuming four or more drinks on any day for women, or five or more for men, has also seen concerning growth. Dr. Lee's research pointed out the percentage of heavy drinkers growing to 6.3% by 2022. Notably, the prevalence was highest among white Americans, with 7.3% reporting heavy drinking, which is significant compared to 5.7% pre-pandemic.
One might wonder why alcohol consumption has surged to such levels. Dr. Lee theorizes this behavior might stem from the disruptions the pandemic inflicted on many people's lives, including job losses and changes to day-to-day routines. He added, “People utilize alcohol as a coping mechanism for stress. What can start as casual drinking can morph quickly without realizing, leading to addiction or even substance use disorders.”
Adding to the growing concern, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported alarming increases in alcohol-related deaths during the pandemic. Over 49,000 deaths were attributed to alcohol use in 2020, with the pandemic peak reflecting about 488 fatalities each day due to excessive drinking – marking more than 29% rise from earlier years.
Meanwhile, public health messages and campaigns aimed at curbing excessive drinking are gaining momentum across states like Oregon. This year, Oregon officials re-launched the “Rethink the Drink” campaign, aiming to increase awareness of the risks associated with binge drinking during the holiday season. The campaign, which uses English and Spanish content, focuses on various social situations, spreading the message of moderation, especially during events when alcohol consumption typically rises.
Dr. Tom Jeanne, deputy state health officer epidemiologist for the Oregon Health Authority, emphasized how easy it is to consume more alcohol than usual during festive gatherings. “These events create environments where we might feel pressured to drink more,” Jeanne noted. The campaign encourages meaningful conversations about alcohol consumption, including promoting non-alcoholic beverages and responsible drinking among friends and family.
The initiative reflects the state's broader response to the economic and health ramifications of excessive alcohol use. An Econorthwest study commissioned by the Oregon Health Authority found the per capita alcohol consumption rate has consistently exceeded the national average, costing Oregon nearly $5 billion annually due to lost productivity, health care expenses, and other economic ramifications resulting from excessive drinking.
But it’s not just about numbers; the risks posed by alcohol run deep. Alcohol is associated with several health issues, including cancer, liver disease, anxiety disorders, and cognitive impairments, emphasizing the need for caution. Despite efforts made via campaigns urging moderation, the trend of heavy drinking remains concerning, especially as holiday celebrations loom, often amplifying risky drinking behaviors.
Health officials underline the need for effective risk-reduction strategies during this time. They advocate for hosting gatherings with non-alcoholic options and ensuring food is readily available to mitigate the risks associated with excessive drinking. Craig Prins, Executive Director of the Oregon Liquor and Cannabis Commission, encourages hosts to design their events thoughtfully to facilitate safer drinking environments.
While the scope of these campaigns cannot be measured immediately, preliminary research has shown individuals exposed to the campaign messages report higher conversations about their drinking habits and are more inclined to contemplate reducing their consumption compared to those unaware of the messages. The hope is these discussions will prompt individuals to reassess their drinking patterns and recognize the long-term risks of excessive consumption.
Oregonians exhibiting interest to learn more are flocking to the state's Rethink the Drink website, which has experienced a notable surge of traffic. This increased engagement suggests the campaign resonates with many eager to understand the effects of alcohol and join the conversation around responsible drinking.
While the broader societal effects of the pandemic continue to unravel, the focus on alcohol consumption and its dangers marks just one part of the collective reckoning individuals are facing as they navigate their post-pandemic realities. Although the emergent data on drinking trends may seem alarming, the hope is these findings spur proactive conversations surrounding alcohol use, encouraging healthier relationships with alcohol now and well beyond the festive season.
