A recent study revealed that alcohol consumption among U.S. adults surged during the COVID-19 pandemic and remains elevated into 2024.

Dr. Lee, a hepatologist and principal investigator of the study, highlighted the serious public health implications, particularly for individuals under 50 years old.

The study aims to raise awareness about the increased alcohol consumption issue, urging healthcare providers to conduct more screenings and interventions for at-risk individuals.

Excessive alcohol consumption is a leading preventable cause of illness and death in the U.S., responsible for half of liver-related deaths and a significant cause of liver transplants.

Heavy drinking was defined in the study as consuming five or more drinks daily or 15 or more weekly for men, and four or more daily or eight or more weekly for women.

Alcohol-related health issues, such as severe liver disease, are becoming more prevalent, according to Dr. Divya Ayyala from Thomas Jefferson University Hospital.

While the study did not pinpoint the exact reasons for this increase, Dr. Brian P. Lee suggested that pandemic-related stress and disruptions may have normalized drinking behaviors.

Initially, the rise in alcohol use was linked to social isolation and limited access to healthcare, but the ongoing trends suggest a potential public health crisis.

Researchers analyzed data from the National Health Interview Survey, which included over 24,000 adults, comparing alcohol use from 2018 to 2022.

The increase in alcohol consumption was observed across all demographics, with adults aged 40-49 experiencing the highest rise in heavy drinking.

Although recent trends may indicate a leveling off of alcohol consumption, the long-term impacts of increased drinking are likely to persist due to the delayed onset of alcohol-related health issues.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services declared the official end of the pandemic in May 2023, with researchers categorizing 2022 as the post-pandemic year in their analysis.