Between 2018 and 2020, heavy drinking among Americans increased by 20%, and overall alcohol use rose by 4%. This trend persisted into 2022, with no significant drop in alcohol consumption levels, despite the easing of pandemic restrictions. The increase affected nearly all demographic groups, including age, gender, race, and region. However, Native Americans and Asian Americans were exceptions, showing no significant change. Adults between 40 and 49 had the highest rise in heavy alcohol use, raising public health concerns due to the long-term health risks, especially for individuals under 50.
The observed increase in alcohol consumption is considered a major public health issue, with excessive drinking being one of the leading preventable causes of illness and death in the United States. Alcohol is responsible for half of all liver-related deaths and is now the primary reason for liver transplants, with alcohol-induced cirrhosis as a significant factor. The study highlights the special risk for men and women under 50, as they are more likely to suffer severe health consequences if heavy drinking habits persist.
Researchers analyzed data from the National Health Interview Survey, one of the country’s largest health surveys. The survey gathered information from more than 24,000 adults on alcohol use, demographics, and socioeconomic factors, enabling a comprehensive view of alcohol consumption trends. The researchers compared 2018 data with those from 2020 and 2022, defining the latter as “post-pandemic” due to the gradual return to pre-pandemic behaviors.
The study classified respondents into two categories based on their drinking patterns: any alcohol use and heavy alcohol use, measured over one year. Heavy drinking was defined as consuming five or more drinks per day or 15 per week for men and four or more drinks per day or eight per week for women. Although the study didn’t examine the underlying causes of the increase, researchers suggest that stress and disruption from the pandemic may have normalized alcohol consumption, especially among middle-aged adults.
The study’s findings aim to raise awareness of increased alcohol use and encourage healthcare providers to screen for harmful drinking patterns more frequently. The research suggests that at-risk populations, particularly those who increased their alcohol intake during the pandemic, may benefit from targeted interventions to address the potential health risks associated with sustained high alcohol consumption levels.
