Alcohol-Related Deaths Surged During Pandemic, Study Reveals
The COVID-19 pandemic brought unprecedented levels of stress, anxiety, and uncertainty, leading to a significant rise in alcohol consumption and, consequently, alcohol-related deaths. A recent study published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal highlights the devastating impact of increased drinking during this period, with alcohol-related deaths rising by 18 per cent in Canada. Similar trends were observed globally, with the United States seeing a 29 per cent increase and 19 European countries experiencing an 18 per cent rise in such fatalities [[2]].The study, which analyzed data from 2016 to 2022, found that hospitalizations linked to alcohol jumped by eight per cent, with a sharper increase of 14 per cent in 2020 and 2021. This coincided with the highest surge in alcohol retail sales in a decade, despite the absence of tourists. researchers attribute this spike to provinces designating alcohol as “essential” during lockdowns, allowing liquor stores to remain open and even offering home delivery. These measures, while convenient, may have undermined public health messaging about the dangers of excessive drinking [[3]].
The Human Cost of Increased Drinking
The study focused on deaths fully attributable to alcohol, such as alcohol liver disease, which accounted for nearly 10,800 fatalities. Hospitalizations related to drinking rose three times more among females than males—15.6 per cent compared to 5.7 per cent. Lead author Dr. Yipu Shi suggests this disparity could be linked to higher levels of stress, loneliness, exposure to intimate partner violence, and job loss among women during the pandemic.
Younger adults were also disproportionately affected, with a 55 per cent increase in mortality among those aged 25 to 44. This “very concerning” spike indicates that younger adults,who may have already struggled with drinking before the pandemic,faced exacerbated challenges during this period.
Socioeconomic and Regional Disparities
The study revealed stark differences in alcohol-related harm based on income and geography. While higher alcohol consumption was recorded among the highest income group, mortality rates were lowest in this demographic.Dr. Daniel Myran, Canada’s research chair at the University of Ottawa, notes that lower-income individuals tend to experience more harm and face a greater risk of chronic diseases. “the richest 20 per cent of neighborhoods see almost half the increase in mortality that the lowest income groups see,” he said.
Regionally, the prairies and British Columbia saw three times the alcohol-related deaths compared to Ontario and the Atlantic provinces, and six to seven times the fatalities recorded in Quebec.
A Call for Policy Reflection
the surge in alcohol-related deaths began to decline after 2022, as vaccines and COVID-19 treatments became widely available. Though, Dr.Myran emphasizes that the pre-pandemic baseline remains troubling. Alcohol use was already a leading cause of mortality in Canada before the pandemic,and the erosion of alcohol control policies during this period has had lasting negative impacts.
Dr. Tim naimi, director of the Canadian Institute for Substance Use Research, points to the rollback of alcohol policies, such as making liquor available on delivery apps, as a significant outcome of the pandemic. “Rather than leading to a strengthening of alcohol policies during a period when people were even more vulnerable than usual, it led to an erosion of those policies, and that has continued,” he said.
the Role of the alcohol Industry
The study also highlights the influence of the alcohol industry on policy decisions. Dr. myran notes that expanding alcohol sales to convenience stores, reducing liquor prices, and offering tax breaks are often seen as easy ways for politicians to gain popularity. “There really is a very influential and powerful alcohol lobby who meet regularly with decision makers and politicians who are not interested in policies that will reduce the sale of alcohol because that is how their companies make money,” he said.
Key findings at a Glance
| Metric | Increase |
|———————————|———————————-|
| Alcohol-related deaths | 18% (Canada), 29% (U.S.), 18% (Europe) |
| Hospitalizations (2020-2021) | 14% |
| Female hospitalizations | 15.6% |
| Male hospitalizations | 5.7% |
| Mortality (ages 25-44) | 55% |
Looking Ahead
As the world continues to recover from the pandemic, this study serves as a stark reminder of the need for stronger alcohol control policies. Dr. Naimi hopes the findings will spur reflection among policymakers and lead to meaningful changes that prioritize public health over industry profits.
For more insights into the impact of alcohol on public health, explore the full study published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal [[1]].
This report by The Canadian Press was first published on February 3, 2025.
Table of Contents
The COVID-19 pandemic not only disrupted lives but also led to a significant increase in alcohol consumption and related fatalities. A recent study published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal reveals a startling 18 per cent rise in alcohol-related deaths in canada, with similar trends observed globally. To better understand the factors behind this surge and its implications, we spoke with Dr. Emily Carter, a public health specialist and researcher focusing on substance use and mental health.
The Pandemic’s Impact on Alcohol Consumption
Editor: Dr.Carter,the study highlights a sharp increase in alcohol-related deaths during the pandemic. What factors contributed to this surge?
Dr. Emily Carter: The pandemic created a perfect storm for heightened alcohol use. Lockdowns, job losses, and social isolation led to increased stress and anxiety, driving many to turn to alcohol as a coping mechanism. additionally,the designation of liquor stores as “essential” businesses normalized drinking during a time of crisis. This, combined with the introduction of alcohol delivery services, made access easier than ever before.
The Human Cost: Gender and Age Disparities
Editor: The study found that women and younger adults were disproportionately affected. Can you elaborate on why these groups faced higher risks?
Dr. emily Carter: Women,in particular,bore the brunt of increased caregiving responsibilities,job losses,and exposure to domestic violence during the pandemic. These stressors likely contributed to higher rates of alcohol-related hospitalizations among women. for younger adults, those aged 25 to 44, the pandemic disrupted key life transitions, such as career progress and social connections, exacerbating pre-existing issues with alcohol use.
Socioeconomic and Regional Differences
Editor: The study also noted disparities based on income and geography. What do these findings tell us?
Dr. Emily Carter: while higher-income groups reported greater alcohol consumption, lower-income individuals experienced more severe health outcomes, including higher mortality rates. This reflects broader inequalities in access to healthcare and social support. Regionally, areas like the prairies and British columbia saw significantly higher alcohol-related deaths compared to provinces like Quebec, possibly due to differences in alcohol policies and cultural norms.
The Role of Alcohol Policies During the Pandemic
Editor: How did public health policies during the pandemic influence alcohol consumption?
Dr. Emily Carter: Unfortunatly, many policies prioritized economic interests over public health. Such as, the expansion of alcohol delivery services and the designation of liquor stores as essential businesses sent mixed messages.instead of reinforcing the risks of excessive drinking,these measures made alcohol more accessible during a time when peopel were especially vulnerable.
The Influence of the Alcohol Industry
Editor: The study mentioned the alcohol industry’s role in shaping policies. Can you expand on that?
Dr. Emily Carter: The alcohol industry wields significant influence over policy decisions. Tactics like reducing prices, expanding sales to convenience stores, and offering tax breaks are frequently enough framed as economic boosts, but they come at a cost to public health.politicians are incentivized to support these measures to gain popularity, frequently enough at the expense of effective alcohol control policies.
Looking Forward: Lessons and Recommendations
Editor: What steps can policymakers take to address this issue moving forward?
Dr. Emily Carter: First, we need to acknowledge that alcohol is not just a personal choice but a public health issue. Policies should focus on reducing accessibility to alcohol, increasing taxes, and limiting marketing efforts targeted at vulnerable populations. Public health campaigns must also address the root causes of excessive drinking, such as stress and mental health challenges, while promoting healthier coping mechanisms.
Conclusion
The pandemic has exposed the fragility of our public health systems in addressing substance use. The sharp rise in alcohol-related deaths underscores the need for stronger, evidence-based alcohol control policies that prioritize public health over industry profits. As we move forward, it’s crucial to learn from these findings and implement measures that protect vulnerable populations and prevent future crises.
