Increased harmful alcohol consumption since the COVID-19 pandemic: causes, impacts and risk screening

Abstract

An alcohol care team in an acute hospital in the North East of England had first-hand experience of the documented increase in harmful alcohol consumption during COVID-19 pandemic lockdown. Patients linked this increase in use to anxiety, boredom and isolation, driven by economic pressures and uncertainty about the future. Studies suggest that drinking levels stayed higher after lockdown, with major long-term consequences. Thus, alcohol services should engage with the post-pandemic economic climate, highlight the risks of liver disease and provide alcohol screening at every opportunity to identify those at risk of future alcohol-related harm.