Alcohol use in Australia during the early days of the COVID‐19 pandemic: Initial results from the COLLATE project

Abstract

The effects of social isolation measures used to control the spread of COVID-19 are negatively impacting the mental health of many. One of the consequences of exposure to disasters/pandemics is an increase in alcohol use. The current study aimed to examine what predisposing (distal) and pandemic-related (proximal) factors were associated with increased drinking in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: On 1 April 2020, 5158 Australians completed a survey from the COvid-19 and you: mentaL heaLth in AusTralia now survEy (COLLATE) project, a nationwide study aimed at tracking key mental health concerns. Using logistic regression, distal (demographics and previous drinking behaviors) and proximal (employment, lifestyle factors, and mood) factors were assessed for their association with increased drinking since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Results: Distal factors, including heavier drinking prepandemic, middle age, and average or higher income, and proximal factors, including job loss, eating more, changes to sleep as well as stress and depression, were all associated with increased drinking in the COVID-19 pandemic environment. Female sex and self-reported history of mental illness became nonsignificant after proximal measures were added to the model. Living alone, exercise, anxiety, and status as an essential or health-care worker were not associated with increased drinking. Conclusion: These results provide guidance as to who might be targeted to receive support based on predisposing demographic factors and pre-pandemic drinking behavior. Second, they indicate what behaviors/factors accompany increased alcohol use and provide targets for psychosocial and psychoeducational supports to address these proximal factors.

Stress, Anxiety, and Change in Alcohol Use During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Findings Among Adult Twin Pairs

“…Among a sample of 4,276 university students in the US surveyed at the end of March 2020, those with more symptoms of depression and anxiety reported a greater increase in alcohol consumption compared to those with fewer symptoms (24). Although increases in alcohol consumption were associated with higher levels of anxiety, depression, and stress symptoms among a sample of 1,491 anonymously surveyed Australian adults in April 2020 (25), a different study among 4,462 Australian adults conducted around the same time found that only depression and stress, but not anxiety, were indicators of a reported increase in alcohol use (26). To date, no studies have examined changes in alcohol use during COVID-19 in a genetically informed sample of adults.…”

Psychological Distress and Problem Gambling in Elite Athletes during COVID-19 Restrictions—A Web Survey in Top Leagues of Three Sports during the Pandemic

“…Likewise, addictive behavior is one of the mental health issues raised by researchers with respect to the COVID-19 pandemic [12][13][14], including an increased risk of alcohol problems, drug problems and behavioral addictions including problem gambling [15]. For example, researchers have expressed the concerns that alcohol consumption may be increased by the pandemic [16] and early data demonstrate that a significant minority of the population may have increased their consumption in line with other changes in everyday lives [17]. While substance use disorders are typically likely to be less prevalent in adult elite athletes during their active career [9], concerns have been raised about a likely increased risk in problem gambling.…”

Alcohol and COVID-19: How Do We Respond to This Growing Public Health Crisis?

“…B efore the onset of COVID-19, the USA was experiencing rising rates of alcohol use, high-risk drinking, and alcohol use disorder (AUD) with negative consequences including increases in alcohol-related morbidity and mortality. 1 As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, it is likely that the USA will see further increases in alcohol consumption similar to those observed in the UK 2 and Australia, 3 raising significant public health concerns. In the USA, while effective screening, medication, and behavioral treatments are available, only 7.9% of adults with AUD received any alcohol treatment in 2018.…”

“…Excessive alcohol use is a common response to coping with stress 3 and increased alcohol use following past traumatic events has been demonstrated in the USA with associated adverse health and social consequences. 5 A meta-analysis of 31 population-based studies of mass terrorist attacks concluded that 7.3% of a population can be expected to report increased alcohol consumption in the first two years after the attack, with 20% probability that the prevalence will be as high as 14%.…”

“…2 In an Australian study (N = 4462), 30.8% of participants endorsed drinking "a lot more than normal" during the pandemic. 3 This study also identified certain pre-pandemic characteristics that were predictors of increased consumption during the pandemic including pre-pandemic heavy drinking; being a woman, aged 25-64, or in a higher income bracket; and having a history of mental illness. In addition, those who lost jobs as a result of the pandemic were at greater risk for increased drinking as were those who had sleep disruptions, changes in eating behaviors, and higher levels of depression and stress.…”