Alcohol and COVID-19

The COVID-19 pandemic is affecting every family across the country and will likely have a long-lasting impact on public health and well-being. Alcohol misuse is already a public health concern in the United States, and alcohol has the potential to further complicate the COVID-19 pandemic in multiple ways. Below are links to important resources for the public, clinicians, and researchers from NIAAA.

NIAAA Alcohol Treatment Navigator telehealth and mutual support options

The NIAAA Treatment Navigator FAQs on searching for alcohol treatment providers now includes information about telehealth and online options during the COVID-19 pandemic.

NIAAA Director's Blog on alcohol and COVID-19

NIAAA Director, Dr. George Koob, discusses what we know about how alcohol affects our immune and stress systems, along with issues related to treatment access during the pandemic.

Drinking alcohol does not prevent or treat coronavirus infection and may impair immune function

While hand sanitizers containing 60-95% ethyl alcohol can help destroy the coronavirus on surfaces, drinking alcohol offers no protection from the virus. In fact alcohol misuse may impair immune function.

For clinicians: helping patients access treatment during the pandemic

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.

For researchers: COVID-19 funding opportunities

NIAAA has issued an alcohol-specific COVID-19 NOSI for administrative and competitive supplements (NOT-AA-20-11), and is participating in other new NIH NOSIs. See the NOSIs and find out who to contact for more information.

State-by-state alcohol-related COVID-19 policies (PDF, 1.6MB)

This review looks at alcohol-related policies during the COVID-19 pandemic across all 50 states and the District of Columbia.

Alcohol sales during the COVID-19 pandemic

Here we present such data as are available on per capita alcohol sales during the COVID-19 pandemic.

How Has Drinking Behavior Changed During the COVID-19 Pandemic?

Webinar Recording: How Has Drinking Behavior Changed During the COVID-19 Pandemic?
Presentation Slides: How Has Drinking Behavior Changed During the COVID-19 Pandemic?
Final Report: Assessing Pandemic-Driven Changes in Alcohol Consumption