According to an article in the journal JAMA Network Open, American adults report they are drinking 14% more often during the COVID-19 pandemic. While the research didn't determine why drinking frequency has increased, health experts worry that people are turning to alcohol to cope with the stress, anxiety, and isolation caused by the pandemic.
On the Mayo Clinic Q&A podcast, Dr. Victor Karpyak, a Mayo Clinic psychiatrist and addiction researcher, discusses alcohol use and the warning signs that drinking may be a problem.
To practice safe social distancing during the COVID-19 pandemic, this interview was conducted using video conferencing. The sound and video quality are representative of the technology used.
Connect with others talking about the pandemic and supporting one another in the COVID-19 support group.