This report discusses the potential relapse or onset of dependence in individuals who are in isolation due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It also discusses a potential comorbidity in those who have ALDs.

Boston University

There have been several publications that have reported/warned of elevated alcohol drinking as a result of social isolation/generalized stress during the COVID-19 lockdown period(s). This node is intended to collect significant reports in this area.
- Survey Analysis: Alcohol Drinking Among the General German Population During the COVID-19 Pandemic Lockdown
- Survey Analysis: Alcohol Drinking Among Quarantined Physicians During the COVID-19 Pandemic 
- Survey analysis: Drinking to cope with the pandemic: The unique associations of COVID-19 related perceived threat and psychological distress to drinking behaviors in American men and women
- Review/Report: Concerns of the Effects of Isolation on Individuals with Alcohol Use Disorders (AUDs) and Alcohol-Associated Liver Diseases (ALDs)

Reports/Concerns of Elevated Alcohol Drinking During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Da, B. L., Im, G. Y., & Schiano, T. D. (2020). COVID-19 Hangover: A Rising Tide of Alcohol Use Disorder and Alcohol-Associated Liver Disease. https://aasldpubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/hep.31307

COVID-19 Hangover: A Rising Tide of Alcohol Use Disorder and Alcohol-Associated Liver Disease

A survey of the general German population (n = 2102) found that the lockdowns were having a significant effect on drinking behaviors. It found that 8.2% reported to drink no alcohol, 37.7% reported no change in their drinking behavior, 19.4% reported decreased intake, and 34.7% reported to increase their intake. This trend of increased intake was common less educated individuals and those with higher stress levels.

Alcohol Drinking Among the General German Population During the COVID-19 Pandemic Lockdown

A survey of quarantined physicians in Poland (n = 113) revealed that 53% had elevated their levels of alcohol intake, and 20% had binged over 7 drinks in one session. Females tended to drink more often and more heavily each time, while males binged more. According to the survey, anxiety and generalized hopelessness were oft-cited factors for this behavior.

Alcohol Drinking Among Quarantined Physicians During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Concerns of the Effects of Isolation on Individuals with Alcohol Use Disorders (AUDs) and Alcohol-Associated Liver Diseases (ALDs)

A survey conducted among American couples (n=4335, 04/17 to 04/23) asked participants about their alcohol consumption habits over the previous month. The study saw a strong correlation between the psychological distress caused by the COVID-19 lockdowns and an increase in greater maximum number of drinks consumed, drinks consumed on a typical occasion, and number of drinking days in the past month. Limitations of this study include that this survey was conducted at the start of quarantine and might not represent the whole confinement period, and only couples were surveyed in this study.

Drinking to cope with the pandemic: The unique associations of COVID-19 related perceived threat and psychological distress to drinking behaviors in American men and women

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