Weekly lockdown prolongation links to rise in binge drinking, with some heavy drinkers consuming more than eight alcoholic beverages per home session

A new study, published in the American Journal of Drug and Alcohol Abuse, has highlighted a concerning trend of increased binge drinking among adults during the COVID-19 pandemic. The research, carried out by experts at The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston School of Public Health, Dallas Campus, aimed to identify a link between COVID-19-related stress factors and changes in alcohol consumption and binge drinking since the pandemic began.

The study, which can be found here, was based on survey data from 1,982 adults, collected from mid-March to mid-April. This period coincided with the first US state-wide stay-at-home order on March 19. The average age of participants was 42, and the majority were white (89%) and female (69%).

The study found that nearly a third (32%) of participants reported binge drinking during the pandemic. Binge drinkers, on average, consumed four drinks per occasion, while non-binge drinkers consumed two drinks per occasion. Interestingly, living with children in lockdown minimally reduced the odds of turning to the bottle for people in general.

However, the odds of increased alcohol intake overall for binge drinkers was more than double that of people who did not drink excessively (60% vs 28%). Moreover, binge drinkers who regularly consumed five or more drinks within two hours showed an increase in odds of heavy alcohol consumption by 19% for every week of lockdown.

The study also revealed that the average length of lockdown for respondents was four weeks. Despite this, non-binge drinkers consumed about the same amount of alcohol as before, whereas binge drinkers increased their intake during lockdown. Participants who drank at harmful levels during the pandemic would consume seven drinks maximum on one occasion, compared to a maximum of two per session during the pandemic for those who did not.

The authors of the study suggest that future research is needed in a more 'generalizable population'. They also note that the survey data was self-reported, and the question on binge-drinking did not specify a time within which the alcohol was consumed.

The article, published by Taylor & Francis Group, will be freely available once the embargo has lifted. The study underscores the need for new intervention and prevention strategies for people in isolation at risk of hazardous drinking. It serves as a timely reminder of the potential impact of the pandemic on alcohol consumption and the importance of mental health and wellbeing during these challenging times.

Weekly lockdown prolongation links to rise in binge drinking, with some heavy drinkers consuming more than eight alcoholic beverages per home session