Pandemic Sparks 18% Surge in Alcohol-Related Deaths in Canada

A Canadian study reveals a significant 18% increase in alcohol-related deaths during the pandemic, emphasizing the health consequences of rising alcohol consumption.

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Pandemic Sparks 18% Surge in Alcohol-Related Deaths in Canada

The COVID-19 pandemic brought with it a surge in alcohol-related deaths and hospitalizations in Canada, with an 18% increase in such fatalities compared to pre-pandemic years. This stark rise in alcohol-related harm, as reported in a new study published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal, underscores the broader mental health challenges posed by the pandemic and the role alcohol played in exacerbating these issues.

The Rising Tide of Alcohol Use Amidst the Pandemic

The early stages of the pandemic saw significant changes in people’s drinking behaviors. According to the study, alcohol consumption surged in Canada, particularly during 2020/21, with a 2% increase in retail alcohol sales compared to the previous year — the highest increase in a decade. Despite restrictions on international travel, Canadian residents turned to alcohol more frequently. In fact, 26% of people reported drinking more during this period, and 18% engaged in heavy drinking, which is defined as consuming five or more drinks for men and four or more for women in one sitting.

Researchers focused on a five-year period (2016-2022), comparing data from before the pandemic with the period during it. The data revealed disturbing trends: deaths attributed to alcohol use increased by 18% during the pandemic, with the most significant increases occurring in 2020 and 2021 — an uptick of about 24%. These increases translated into 1,600 excess deaths, which were largely attributed to alcohol-related liver disease and alcohol use disorder (AUD). Additionally, hospitalizations due to alcohol consumption rose by 8%, with a 14% increase in 2020/21.

Geographical and Demographic Insights

The regional disparities in alcohol-related deaths and hospitalizations were significant. The Prairie provinces experienced the highest increases, with a shocking 28% rise in alcohol-related deaths. British Columbia followed closely behind with a 24% increase. In contrast, Ontario and the Atlantic provinces saw much lower increases, while Quebec recorded increases that were six to seven times lower than those in the Prairie provinces.

Young adults, particularly those between the ages of 25-44, were disproportionately affected by the rise in alcohol-related deaths and hospitalizations. This demographic experienced the most significant increase in excess deaths, and hospitalizations also spiked in the 15-44 age group. The study noted that alcohol use among women had been rising significantly, with hospitalizations among females three times higher during the pandemic. This gender difference raises concerns about a potential future rise in liver-related diseases in women, a trend that requires ongoing monitoring and intervention.

Alcohol-Related Harm: A Reflection of Larger Pandemic Challenges

The study’s authors suggest that the increase in alcohol-related deaths and hospitalizations may have been driven by a combination of factors exacerbated by the pandemic. Stress, boredom, and deteriorating mental health are often cited as triggers for increased alcohol consumption during periods of crisis. Additionally, easier access to alcohol during lockdowns, whether through retail sales or home delivery services, contributed to the surge in consumption.

The findings are consistent with reports from other countries as well. In the United States, alcohol-related deaths increased by 29% during the same period, while European countries reported a similar rise of 18%. These global trends highlight that the effects of the pandemic on alcohol use were not confined to Canada alone, but were part of a broader, international public health concern.

The Path Forward: Prevention and Intervention

Given the significant impact alcohol-related harm had during the pandemic, the researchers emphasize the need for comprehensive public health interventions. Timely interventions are crucial to prevent high-risk drinking from developing into more severe conditions, such as AUD or alcoholic liver disease (ALD). A comprehensive approach to managing high-risk drinking and AUD should combine both clinical management and public health strategies.

The study calls for a focus on prevention and the treatment of AUD and ALD in the aftermath of the pandemic. By tackling the root causes of alcohol misuse — such as mental health struggles, stress, and boredom — interventions can reduce the incidence of alcohol-related harm. As the long-term consequences of the pandemic continue to unfold, both individuals and health systems must be prepared to address these challenges head-on.

The study also highlights the importance of targeted interventions for vulnerable groups, such as young adults and women, who were disproportionately affected by the rise in alcohol-related harm. Furthermore, healthcare systems must be ready to handle the ongoing demand for treatment related to alcohol misuse and its associated diseases.

The increase in alcohol-related deaths and hospitalizations during the COVID-19 pandemic serves as a stark reminder of the potential harms that can arise from changes in drinking behaviors during times of crisis. As Canada, and the world at large, continues to recover from the pandemic, it is clear that a comprehensive, coordinated approach to alcohol misuse prevention and treatment will be crucial in preventing future health crises related to alcohol. This study not only sheds light on the impact of the pandemic on alcohol-related harm but also underscores the urgent need for continued public health efforts to reduce alcohol consumption and its associated risks in the years to come.