The Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) conducted a study revealing a disturbing surge in alcohol-related deaths and hospitalizations during the COVID-19 pandemic. Researchers compared data from 2016 to 2022, observing a stark 18% increase in alcohol-attributable deaths, representing approximately 1,600 more fatalities than anticipated based on pre-pandemic trends. Hospitalizations related to alcohol also saw a significant rise of 8% overall, with an even steeper incline of 14% recorded during the peak pandemic years of 2020 and 2021. This surge in alcohol-related harm coincided with a decade-high increase in alcohol retail sales, even with the absence of tourism, suggesting a significant shift in domestic consumption patterns. The study attributes this alarming trend to a confluence of factors, including heightened stress, boredom, deteriorating mental health, and increased accessibility to alcohol. The decision by several provinces to classify liquor stores as “essential” businesses, allowing them to remain open during lockdowns and facilitate home deliveries, likely exacerbated the problem by undermining public health messaging about the dangers of excessive alcohol consumption.
The PHAC study further highlights the disproportionate impact of increased alcohol consumption on specific demographics. Females experienced a substantially higher increase in alcohol-related hospitalizations (15.6%) compared to males (5.7%). Researchers suggest this disparity might be linked to the unique challenges faced by women during the pandemic, including increased stress, loneliness, potential exposure to intimate partner violence, and job losses. Young adults aged 25 to 44 also saw a staggering 55% increase in alcohol-related mortality, a deeply concerning statistic suggesting pre-existing vulnerabilities to alcohol misuse within this age group were further exacerbated by the pandemic. Low-income earners, despite exhibiting lower overall alcohol consumption compared to higher-income groups, suffered significantly higher mortality rates linked to alcohol. This stark contrast underscores the existing disparities in health outcomes, highlighting how socioeconomic factors can amplify the negative consequences of alcohol use. The study emphasizes the complex interplay of social, economic, and health-related factors in shaping the impact of the pandemic on alcohol-related harm.
The study delved into the specific causes of alcohol-related deaths, finding that conditions like alcohol liver disease accounted for a substantial portion of the nearly 10,800 fatalities recorded during the study period. While higher alcohol consumption was observed among the highest income group, their mortality rates remained the lowest. This suggests that pre-existing health conditions and access to healthcare may play a significant role in determining the severity of alcohol-related harm. Individuals with higher incomes likely have better access to healthcare and are more likely to be diagnosed and treated for alcohol-related health issues earlier, potentially mitigating the long-term consequences of heavier drinking. Conversely, those with lower incomes may face greater barriers to healthcare, leading to delayed diagnoses and treatment, ultimately contributing to higher mortality rates. The study underscores the importance of addressing socioeconomic disparities and improving access to healthcare for vulnerable populations to effectively combat alcohol-related harm.
Regional variations in alcohol-related mortality were also observed, with the Prairie provinces and British Columbia experiencing significantly higher death rates compared to Ontario, the Atlantic provinces, and Quebec. These regional differences likely reflect variations in public health restrictions, economic impacts, and healthcare capacity during the pandemic. Provinces like Alberta, Manitoba, and Saskatchewan, which experienced major COVID-19 waves, likely saw delays in care for alcohol-related conditions due to strained healthcare systems. Conversely, the “Atlantic bubble,” characterized by lower infection rates, may have benefited from greater healthcare capacity, translating to reduced alcohol-related harm. This highlights how the interplay of public health crises can influence access to care and subsequently impact population health outcomes.
The study also sheds light on the influence of alcohol policy changes during the pandemic. The relaxation of alcohol regulations, such as expanding access to home delivery services, likely contributed to increased consumption and subsequent harm. While the surge in alcohol-related deaths appears to have subsided after 2022 with the wider availability of COVID-19 vaccines and treatments, the pre-pandemic baseline remains a cause for concern. Alcohol use was already a leading cause of preventable death in Canada prior to the pandemic, and the temporary increase during the pandemic underscores the fragility of progress made in addressing this public health issue. Furthermore, the persistence of some pandemic-era policy changes, such as the continued availability of alcohol through delivery apps, raises concerns about their long-term impact on alcohol consumption patterns and related harm.
The study’s findings underscore the need for stronger alcohol control policies and a renewed focus on public health messaging around responsible alcohol consumption. The researchers point to the powerful influence of the alcohol industry, which often lobbies against policies that could reduce alcohol sales. The ease with which politicians can gain popularity points by expanding alcohol access, lowering prices, and offering tax breaks contrasts with the difficulty of implementing evidence-based alcohol control policies that are often perceived as politically unpopular. The study’s authors urge policymakers to prioritize public health over political expediency and implement effective strategies to reduce alcohol-related harm. These strategies could include stricter regulations on alcohol advertising, limiting the availability and affordability of alcohol, and investing in public health campaigns to raise awareness about the risks of excessive alcohol consumption. The study serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing challenge of addressing alcohol-related harm and the need for sustained efforts to protect vulnerable populations.
