Trends in US Alcohol Consumption Frequency During the First Wave of the SARS‐CoV‐2 Pandemic

Abstract

Background The SARS‐CoV‐2 pandemic created disruptions and stressors which may have influenced alcohol consumption frequency trends. Varying COVID‐19 health burden and alcohol policies may have contributed to different consumption trends between states. The aim of this study is to assess trends in alcohol consumption and moderation by state of residence. Methods We examined trends in adult drinking days, during the first wave of the pandemic (March 10 to June 8) using longitudinal data from the Understanding America Study ( N = 6,172 unique participants; N = 28,059 observations). Because state mandates were responsive to disease burden, we modeled the interaction of time by COVID‐19 burden, defined as whether the state had the median (or higher) daily incidence of COVID‐19 cases on the survey date, and state random effects. We controlled for individual sociodemographics, perceived personal/familial COVID‐19 burden, mental health symptomology, and risk avoidance. Results Drinking days increased throughout the duration (incidence risk ratio [IRR] for drinking per increase in one calendar day = 1.003, 95% CI 1.001, 1.004); trends were heterogeneous by disease burden, with individuals living in states with lower COVID‐19 burden increasing (IRR = 1.005, 95% CI 1.003, 1.007) faster than those living in states with higher COVID‐19 burden (IRR = 1.000, 95% CI 0.998, 1.002). Trends were heterogeneous between states, but there was no evidence of systematic geographic clustering of state trends. Conclusions Drinking days increased during the first months of the COVID‐19 pandemic, particularly among residents of states with lower disease burden.

Mental health and economic stressors associated with high-risk drinking and increased alcohol consumption early in the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States

“…High-risk drinking was associated with a sextupled odds of retrospectively-reported increased alcohol use compared with those reporting moderate or low-risk drinking, after adjusting for boredom and living with a partner. These findings are consistent with other studies conducted during the pandemic, which showed increased number of drinking days in March and April of 2020 ( McKetta et al, 2021 ; Capasso et al, 2021 ; Nordeck et al, 2021 ). This is concerning because high-risk drinking is associated with increased risk of adverse consequences including alcohol-related injuries, violence, and alcohol poisoning, and increased alcohol use could contribute to increased risk for alcohol-related problems ( Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2020 ).…”

“…Risk for heavy drinking and AUD may be increased by stress from the social and economic circumstances brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic. Research from early in the pandemic has shown an increase in number of drinking days compared to the same time period in the previous year ( McKetta et al, 2021 ; Capasso et al, 2021 ; Nordeck et al, 2021 ), but the impact of mental health and economic stressors on drinking, particularly high-risk drinking, have not been widely assessed. Research from previous epidemics suggests that negative mental health consequences of quarantine—including distress, irritability, depression, post-traumatic stress symptoms, and problematic alcohol use—may be long-lasting, enduring after the public health risk has abated ( Brooks et al, 2020 ).…”

Mental Health During the First Weeks of the COVID-19 Pandemic in the United States

“…Further, suicidal ideation was predicted by greater alcohol intake in combination with financial worries. This is particularly concerning, as recent evidence suggests that alcohol purchases, consumption, and dependence behaviors increased dramatically for those under lockdown during the first 6-months of the pandemic (39,48,49). For those at risk of suicidal ideation, alcohol intake should be minimized/avoided (5).…”

Changes in drinking days among United States adults during the COVID‐19 pandemic

“…Studies of US adults have found significant increases in the frequency of alcohol consumption [ 18 ], including binge drinking [ 19 ]. Moreover, although some have found evidence of an association between COVID‐19‐related stress and increased drinking behaviors [ 20 ], others have found increases in drinking behavior among individuals living in states with relatively lower COVID‐19 disease burden [ 21 ], suggesting alcohol use may be sensitive to contextual and psychosocial factors. Finally, there have been increases in alcohol retail sales because many states closed bars/restaurants and relaxed alcohol sale restrictions by allowing curbside distribution or delivery.…”