In these critical circumstances, it is essential that everyone is informed about other health risks and hazards so that they can stay safe and healthy. Several anecdotal reports suggest that alcohol intolerance may be linked to long COVID, specifically the post-viral fatigue syndrome (PVFS) type. In Eastern Europe, a research project implemented in Poland has shown an increase in alcohol consumption in 146%, with a higher tendency to drink more found among the subjects with previous alcohol addiction 42. There are also a variety of medications available for depression and anxiety.
However, researchers found that drinking returned to pre-pandemic levels by June 2021. Therefore, consumption should be moderate in general, and especially during the pandemic 24. In contrast, Nielsen IQ reported 25 a 477 % increase in online alcohol sales by end of April 2020. Social stressors include social isolation, unemployment, frontline work such as in a hospital, working from home, management of children’s schooling, as well as loss of loved ones, constrained financial resources and/or emotional and social support. Alcohol-related disorders are a major social problem especially during the COVID-19 pandemic 27.
FASD is both predictable and largely preventable but has been consistently ignored” 81. In Europe, evidence showing an increased alcohol consumption, emerged during the second half of 2020 and early 2021. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention defines excessive alcohol use as binge drinking, heavy drinking, alcohol use by people under the minimum legal drinking age, and alcohol use by pregnant women. AUD is a clinical diagnosis that indicates someone’s drinking is causing distress and harm. AUD can range from mild to severe, depending on the severity of the symptoms. In fact, it is possible that excessive alcohol consumption can increase the risk of developing COVID-19-induced illness, as this can affect the immune system.
This could influence their future risk for problem drinking, AUD, and health problems related to alcohol use. It was really no surprise that during the first year of the pandemic, alcohol sales jumped by nearly 3%, the largest increase in more than 50 years. Multiple small studies suggest that during the pandemic, about 25% of people drank more than usual, often to cope with stress. Compared with all other causes of death, which increased by 16%, alcohol-related deaths increased at a higher rate. But because of that increase during the first year, researchers from the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) wanted to know whether there was a corresponding increase in esgic dosage alcohol-related deaths in 2020.
Alcohol sales during the COVID-19 pandemic
- Consuming any alcohol poses health risks, but consuming high-strength ethyl alcohol (ethanol), particularly if it has been adulterated with methanol, can result in severe health consequences, including death.
- Excessive alcohol use can lead to or worsen existing mental health problems.
- For example, women with depressive disorders are more prone to excessive alcohol consumption by internalizing symptoms, a situation favored by social isolation.
- This article will discuss the myths and facts about alcohol use and COVID-19.
- While research on alcohol intolerance post-COVID-19 is limited, numerous anecdotal reports suggest that alcohol intolerance could be a symptom of long COVID for some individuals.
Although the underlying mechanisms aren’t fully understood, the symptom may be linked to the broader condition of long COVID and share similarities with conditions like myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS). Some people describe feeling sick after consuming only a small amount of alcohol, while others report experiencing hangover-like symptoms that seem disproportionate to their alcohol intake. While not widely recognized as a symptom of long COVID due to limited research, alcohol intolerance has been reported by some individuals.
One theory suggests that the virus causing COVID-19 acts as a severe stressor, possibly affecting a part of the brain called the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus (PVN). This could make the PVN extra sensitive to life’s stresses, causing fatigue and relapses similar to ME/CFS. In a March 2021 blog post, neurologist Georgia Lea discussed the potential connection between long COVID, specifically the PVFS type, and alcohol intolerance. Learn how NIH has improved basic understanding of the SARS-CoV-2 virus and sped up the development of COVID-19 vaccines, treatments, and testing. It can also interact with several common medications, such as ibuprofen, to cause further symptoms. There are a variety of myths regarding alcohol consumption and SARS-CoV-2.
Myth 1: Consuming alcohol can destroy the virus
Most often, adults who drink alcohol constantly justify consumption drinker nose by claiming reducing mental stress, maintaining a state of physical and mental relaxation, but also improving their social behavior 32. However, due to the action of ethanol on the central nervous system, at high doses of alcohol, there is an inhibitory effect that involves reduced discernment and weakened attention and memory 33. Thus, it becomes a risk factor for altering behavior and decision-making. The danger is even greater for those diagnosed with psychological or psychiatric pathologies, as often the concomitant administration of psychotropic medication and alcohol is contraindicated 34.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ) about alcohol and COVID-19
If you are a healthcare provider, learn how to help patients or clients who need help with an alcohol problem during the COVID-19 pandemic. NIAAA supports a wide range of research on alcohol use and its effects on health and wellbeing. NIAAA’s free, research-based resources can help cut through the clutter and confusion about how alcohol affects people’s lives.
Alcohol can cause digestive upset, difficulty sleeping, trouble with concentration, and other unpleasant side effects that may worsen your symptoms. Alcohol can also weaken your immune system and contribute to risk-taking behavior (like not wearing a mask) that could increase your chances of contracting the virus. This connection could provide insights into how long COVID might contribute to alcohol intolerance. But after her infection, she found herself unable brain fog from alcohol to tolerate even small amounts of alcohol, experiencing unpleasant sensations like lightheadedness, sluggishness, and queasiness after just a few sips.
For clinicians: helping patients access treatment during the pandemic
For example, beta-blockers can help control the physical responses to anxiety, such as increased heart rate. Excessive alcohol use can lead to or worsen existing mental health problems. Alcohol on the breath does not provide protection from the virus in the air. Drinking alcohol does not reduce the chance of acquiring SARS-CoV-2 or developing severe illness from COVID-19.