Increased alcohol use, heavy episodic drinking, and suicide ideation during the COVID-19 pandemic in Canada

Abstract

Objective Alcohol use is a known risk factor for suicidality, yet this relationship has not been explored during the pandemic in Canada. As a growing body of evidence demonstrates the negative impact of COVID-19 on alcohol consumption and associated harms in Canada, there is a need to examine this more closely. Methods Using the Survey on COVID-19 and Mental Health 2020, we compared the prevalence of suicide ideation among: (1) individuals who reported an increase in alcohol consumption vs those who reported a decrease/no change, and (2) individuals who reported past month heavy episodic drinking vs those who did not. We compared overall unadjusted odds ratios and across a number of sociodemographic and mental health variables. All estimates were weighted to ensure they were nationally representative. Results The prevalence and likelihood of suicide ideation were significantly higher among people who reported increased alcohol consumption during the pandemic (4.9% vs 2.0%; OR = 2.6, 95% CI: 1.8, 3.7) and people who reported past month heavy episodic drinking (3.4% vs 2.1%; OR = 1.7, 95% CI: 1.2, 2.3). Males and middle-aged and older-aged individuals had the highest odds ratios for increased alcohol consumption and past month heavy episodic drinking with suicide ideation. Conclusion In the Canadian general population during the COVID-19 pandemic, there were significant associations between suicide ideation and increased alcohol use as well as past month heavy episodic drinking across specific sociodemographic subgroups. Future research could explore these associations while adjusting for social determinants of health such as income security, employment, education, social support, stress, and mental health.

“Silent Struggles Unveiled”: Uncovering the Dark Consequences of Alcohol Abstinence - A Rare Case Report

“…The only documented cases of suicide following alcohol withdrawal were observed during the COVID-19 lockdown period, when individuals faced multiple contributing factors (Ahmed, Khaium, & Tazmeem, 2020). The most prevalent factors during that period included lockdown and unemployment, leading to financial crisis, along with the unavailability of alcohol (Rani et al, 2020;Varin et al, 2022). But, the present case is unique because there was no other associated condition that could have contributed to the suicide.…”

Forte consommation épisodique d’alcool et consommation autodéclarée accrue d’alcool pendant la pandémie de COVID-19 : un regard sur les travailleurs de première ligne et les travailleurs essentiels au Canada

“…Le stress et l'incertitude provoqués par la pandémie de COVID-19 et les fortes répercussions sociales et économiques associées ont eu un impact sur les habitudes de consommation de substances de nombreux Canadiens 10 . Selon des données nationales, certains Canadiens ont fait état d'une augmentation de leur consommation d'alcool depuis le début de la pandémie de COVID-19 [16][17][18][19][20][21][22] . On ne disposait cependant pas d'estimation à l'échelle nationale portant précisément sur les travailleurs de première ligne et les travailleurs essentiels -deux groupes professionnels touchés durant cette période sans précédent.…”

Heavy episodic drinking and self-reported increased alcohol use during the COVID-19 pandemic: a spotlight on frontline and essential workers in Canada

“…While there are currently no nationally representative data on alcohol use among frontline and essential workers during the COVID-19 pandemic, increases in alcohol consumption and heavy episodic drinking have been documented among Canadians during this time, with some groups seemingly affected more than others. [16][17][18][19][20][21][22] Indeed, females, parents/legal guardians and individuals who screened positive for generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), major depressive disorder (MDD) or posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) had a significantly higher prevalence of self-reported increased alcohol use since the onset of the pandemic. 16,17,22 Given these differential impacts across certain social and mental determinants of health, it is crucial to examine these determinants when assessing alcohol use among frontline and essential workers.…”

“…[16][17][18][19][20][21][22] Indeed, females, parents/legal guardians and individuals who screened positive for generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), major depressive disorder (MDD) or posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) had a significantly higher prevalence of self-reported increased alcohol use since the onset of the pandemic. 16,17,22 Given these differential impacts across certain social and mental determinants of health, it is crucial to examine these determinants when assessing alcohol use among frontline and essential workers.…”