Chronic alcohol consumption and COVID‐19 infection risk: A narrative review

Abstract

During the COVID‐19 pandemic, many potential risk groups have been identified, such as those with obesity, diabetes, preexisting organ injuries, and several other conditions. Smoking is the most reported substance use disorder linked to increased COVID‐19 hospitalization rate and disease severity. In relation to smoking, we discuss the impairment of the innate and the adaptive immune systems as being among the main potential reasons for increased COVID‐19 infection risk and severity. Chronic alcohol consumption and alcohol use disorder (AUD) also have a negative impact on the immune system, but when it comes to COVID‐19 risk, they produce diverse outcomes. Some studies provide evidence that chronic alcohol consumption and AUD increase the risk of COVID‐19 infection and severe disease progression, while others report reduced hospitalization and death rates. In this review, we summarize the current state of epidemiological and molecular data concerning alcohol consumption and AUD as risk factors for COVID‐19 infection, hospitalization, and mortality.

A phase I clinical trial assessing the safety, tolerability, and pharmacokinetics of inhaled ethanol in humans as a potential treatment for respiratory tract infections

“…Outside of human studies, inhaled ethanol has also been shown in mouse models to protect against lethal influenza infection when delivered prophylactically ( 20 ). In contrast to these beneficial effects reported with topical airway administration via inhalation, heavy, prolonged oral alcohol misuse has been typically associated with immune suppression and worse infection outcomes ( 7 , 23 ). Collectively, these data suggest that the route of administration, dose, and duration of exposure play critical roles in modulating ethanol’s potential beneficial or negative effects on the human body.…”

Association of Mediterranean Diet Adherence with Sociodemographic, Anthropometric, and Lifestyle Factors during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Cross-Sectional Study in Greece

“…There are several studies that have demonstrated that alcohol consumption was considerably increased during the COVID-19 pandemic, which may increase the risk of depression, anxiety, stress, and other lifestyle factors in daily routines [84]. Substantial studies have also provided evidence that chronic alcohol consumption and alcohol use disorder have increased the risk of COVID-19 infection and severe disease progression [85].…”

The ReCoDe addiction research consortium: Losing and regaining control over drug intake—Findings and future perspectives

“… 24 , 25 However, different clusters were observed during the pandemic, with decreased and increased alcohol consumption or no change in drinking behaviour. 26 , 27 Most worrisome was the situation for patients with AUD, as governmental regulations such as lockdowns restricted access to ongoing therapy for extended periods, with unpredictable impact on further disease progression. Hence it is suggested that a lockdown represents a risk factor for increasing alcohol consumption in people with AUD and relapse for those who were previously abstinent.…”