Study Reveals: Alcohol-Related Hospitalizations for U.S. Women Doubled Amid Pandemic

A recent study reveals a concerning trend: the number of women aged 40 to 64 admitted to hospitals due to alcohol misuse nearly doubled during the pandemic. Spanning a period of 10 months from April 2020 to September 2021, the incidence of alcohol-related complications among middle-aged women surged by 33% to 56%, compared to pre-pandemic levels. Dr. Bryant Shuey, the study’s lead author and an assistant professor of medicine at the University of Pittsburgh, emphasized the alarming rise in drinking habits among women, particularly during the pandemic, contributing to severe health issues like alcohol-related liver disease, mood disorders, withdrawal symptoms, and cardiovascular and gastric concerns.

Research indicates that over the past decade, the rate of binge drinking among women aged 35 to 50 increased at twice the pace of men. This troubling trend escalated during the pandemic, with a 41% uptick in heavy drinking days among women. Dr. Scott Hadland, an addiction specialist and associate professor of pediatrics at Mass General for Children and Harvard Medical School, praised the study’s thoroughness, expressing surprise at the rapid escalation of alcohol-related complications typically associated with prolonged exposure to heavy drinking.

Published in the journal JAMA Health Forum, the study analyzed data from an insurance database covering individuals aged 15 and older to assess emergency room visits and hospitalizations attributable to alcohol abuse during the pandemic. The findings revealed that a significant portion of hospitalizations were due to complications from alcohol-related liver disease, alcohol withdrawal, and mood disorders, posing grave risks to patients’ health and well-being.

Dr. Shuey highlighted the life-threatening nature of alcohol withdrawal, which can lead to seizures and cardiac arrest, particularly among individuals with a history of heavy alcohol consumption. Moreover, mood disorders exacerbated by alcohol use pose a heightened risk of suicide and require urgent medical intervention. While a smaller percentage of hospitalizations were attributed to cardiovascular complications and gastric bleeding, the overall impact on public health is substantial.

Although the study couldn’t establish causality, Dr. Ibraheem Karaye, an assistant professor of population health at Hofstra University, suggested that the pandemic may have exacerbated preexisting alcohol-related issues among women, leading to a tipping point in their health. Factors such as reduced access to healthcare services during the pandemic likely contributed to the deterioration of alcohol-related conditions, exacerbating the crisis.

Women are particularly vulnerable to the adverse effects of alcohol due to physiological differences, including lower levels of alcohol-metabolizing enzymes and higher concentrations of alcohol in their bodies. Additionally, women are more susceptible to liver damage, heart disease, cognitive decline, and breast cancer associated with alcohol consumption.

Recognizing the signs of alcohol-related issues is crucial for seeking timely intervention. Behavioral changes, increased alcohol consumption, mood swings, and neglecting responsibilities are red flags indicative of problematic drinking habits. Moreover, exceeding recommended alcohol intake guidelines and experiencing negative physical or mental health consequences warrant medical attention.

Dr. Karaye recommends utilizing the Alcohol Use Screening Tool provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to assess alcohol consumption accurately. Seeking support from healthcare professionals, medication-assisted treatment, behavioral therapy, and support groups can aid individuals in overcoming alcohol misuse. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s national helpline offers confidential assistance and referrals to local treatment resources, emphasizing the importance of seeking help for alcohol-related issues.