The Impact of the Covid-19 Pandemic on American Drinking Habits

As the Covid-19 pandemic unfolded, Americans found themselves turning to alcohol more frequently. Faced with unprecedented stress, isolation, and uncertainty, many sought solace in drinking as their familiar world transformed almost overnight.

Even two years into this global crisis, a recent study revealed that the trend of increased alcohol consumption has persisted. The proportion of Americans consuming alcohol, which had already shown a notable uptick from 2018 to 2020, saw a further rise in 2021 and 2022. Additionally, there was a significant increase in reports of heavy or binge drinking.

Dr. Brian P. Lee, a hepatologist at the University of Southern California and the principal investigator of the study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine, noted, “In the early days of the pandemic, we witnessed an overwhelming influx of individuals seeking treatment for alcohol-related issues.” He explained that while many assumed this surge stemmed from acute stress—comparable to the aftermath of events like 9/11 and Hurricane Katrina—historically, such patterns typically return to normal once the immediate stressors dissipate. However, Dr. Lee emphasized, “That’s not the trend we are observing now.”

Alcohol has the potential to be addictive, and it is well-documented that addiction often persists even after the initial triggers have faded. “We understand that addiction doesn’t simply vanish when the triggering circumstances do,” Dr. Lee added.

It is crucial to recognize that rates of heavy drinking and alcohol-related liver disease had already been on the rise for decades prior to the pandemic. Alarmingly, alcohol-related fatalities surged in 2020, with some studies reporting a staggering 25 percent increase in just one year. Christian Hendershot, director of clinical research at U.S.C.’s Institute for Addiction Science, highlighted the ongoing concern, underscoring the need for awareness and intervention in these troubling trends.