Effect of COVID-19 lockdown on alcohol consumption in patients with pre-existing alcohol use disorder

Longer time spent at home during COVID-19 pandemic is associated with binge drinking among US adults

“…However, limited research has evaluated the impact of specific COVID-19-related stressors on alcohol consumption, and specifically, binge drinking. One recent study explored the effect of COVID-19 lockdown on alcohol consumption in a sample of participants with preexisting alcohol use disorder in the United Kingdom and another evaluated heavy alcohol consumption in relation to psychological distress following the COVID-19related closure of a university in northeastern Ohio (17,18). However, no previous studies have explored the relationship among a national US sample.…”

President’s message: alcohol use during the COVID-19 pandemic

“…There were 113 survey participants who were drinking prior to lockdown and 14 of them (12%) stopped drinking during lockdown. 2 Second, in May 2020, Research Triangle Institute (RTI) 3 conducted a survey of 993 individuals asking about alcohol consumption, mental health, employment, and lifetime alcohol experiences in both February and April 2020. Out of the 993 individuals queried, 555 reported drinking alcohol in February.…”

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

“…According to one study, social isolation during the pandemic lockdown in London was a risk factor for increased alcohol consumption among people with AUD as well as relapse among those previously abstinent. 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.…”

“…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.…”

“…Targeted interventions for those at risk for relapse or exacerbation of use among identified heavy drinkers or those with AUD can also be effective during this pandemic. 2 In addition, collaborative care models can improve implementation of evidence-based treatment for AUD 9 especially when supported by adequate reimbursement for care coordination, management, and cross-system integration.…”