Intervene to moderate pandemic drinking by university students

Abstract

Increases and decreases in university students’ drinking during and after the pandemic will be influenced by multiple factors, including their access to alcohol, COVID-related stress, social support, and whether they live with parents or on campus. Many will engage in elevated drinking, especially upon return to the campus environment. It is our view that abstinence-oriented advice and interventions are unlikely to attract and assist the full range of pandemic drinkers. This viewpoint outlines advantages of supporting moderate drinking, provides examples of self-assessment methods that could enhance motivation to change, and describes self-initiated tactics that university students can employ to moderate their drinking. Students who have a more serious drinking problem or find it difficult to limit or quit drinking on their own may be encouraged to seek professional counseling or attend a mutual help group, either on campus or at home, depending on where they are residing.