Alcohol Consumption and Mental Health during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

Aims To examine the association between alcohol consumption and mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods An anonymous online survey was distributed among US adults during May–August 2020 through social networks and ResearchMatch. We collected information on demographic, lifestyles and mental health symptoms including anxiety, depression, stress and post-traumatic stress disorder. Logistic regression models were used to examine the cross-sectional association between alcohol consumption and mental health symptoms. We also examined effect modification by race, age, gender, social support, financial insecurity and quarantine status. Results The analytical sample consists of 3623 adults. Stable drinking habits and regular drinking behaviors were found to co-exist with better mental health status. Participants who increased their alcohol use had higher odds of developing mental health disorders than those who maintained their pre-pandemic drinking habits. Additionally, participants who engaged in binge drinking during the pandemic had higher odds of depression and stress than those who did not. The associations regarding increased drinking and binge drinking in relation to adverse mental health outcomes were stronger among females, racial minorities, and individuals with financial concerns, poor social support and restricted quarantine status than their counterparts. Conclusions During the early stage of the COVID-19 pandemic, increased alcohol use and binge drinking are cross-sectionally associated with higher odds of mental health disorders, which highlighted the need for targeted intervention to address the mental health needs of individuals who have engaged in these behaviors, especially among females, minorities, those with insecurities or with restricted quarantine status.

Association between work environment changes due to the COVID‐19 pandemic and post‐traumatic stress disorder in Japanese workers during the emergency declaration

“…Increased alcohol consumption has been reported in other countries following the COVID‐19 pandemic 28–31 . Increased alcohol consumption has been reported to increase ORs for PTSD 32 . In Japan, national alcohol consumption decreased markedly in the 2021 fiscal year 33 .…”

“…[28][29][30][31] Increased alcohol consumption has been reported to increase ORs for PTSD. 32 In Japan, national alcohol consumption decreased markedly in the 2021 fiscal year. 33 In our study, approximately 11% of men showed an increase or decrease in this regard, whereas 8.9% of women showed an increase, with 12.6% showing a decrease.…”

Impact effects of COVID‐19 pandemic on chronic disease patients: A longitudinal prospective study

“…Also, some authors indicate up to a 22% reduction in the prescription of new antihypertensive medications in 2020 (Carr et al., 2022). Other potential explanations are related to sedentary behaviour, stress and distress, changes in daily life routine, or increased alcohol intake (Chambonniere et al., 2021; Yue et al., 2023).…”

Anger and Aggression in Relation to Psychological Resilience and Alcohol Abuse among Health Professionals during the First Pandemic Wave

“…Meanwhile, recently available studies identified a high prevalence of insomnia, stress, anxiety, depression, and trauma, along with other related psychological health problems, health behavior changes, and addictive issues among healthcare workers [2][3][4][5]. During the pandemic research evidenced that anxiety and depression contributed to increased alcohol consumption and heavy alcohol use exacerbated depression, anxiety, and insomnia, constituting a bidirectional association [6][7][8][9].…”