Alcoholic beverages sales are increasing in the United States in 2020 due to COVID-19
At the beginning of March 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the COVID-19 pandemic. The outbreak of the disease spread around the world, uprooting the daily lives of millions. In the US, people have conformed to strict guidelines and canceled activities. Some were even quarantined for most of the year. To cope with the sudden change, many Americans turned to alcoholic beverages.
COVID-19 and the spike in alcohol beverage sales
As COVID-19 raged across the world, alcoholic beverage sales soared. Millions were quarantined in the United States, making sure they stock up on liquor. In the week of March 21, 2020, the total alcohol market grew 55%. Online alcohol sales rose to a shocking 243%. To put this in perspective, the U.S. distilleries posted sales of $ 29 billion in 2019. In 2020, alcohol sales rose to $ 31.2 billion despite the closings of bars, clubs, and restaurants.
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COVID-19 alcohol and addiction
During the pandemic, many families experienced increased levels of stress and responsibility. They keep their children’s school activities, homework and housework on. Not to mention that others are struggling with financial hardship, social isolation, and general insecurity. To ease their worries, some turned to alcohol. The sudden demand for the drink led to growth in the alcohol industry. Unfortunately, it has caused a sudden spike in addiction rates in the United States as well
In 2020, the total number of heavy drinking reached an all-time high. An article published by Psychiatry Research reports that alcohol consumption among banned people increased from 21% (in March) to 40.7% (in September). Another study published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) claims that over 13% of Americans reported using alcohol or drugs to deal with COVID-19-related stressors. The rise in alcohol sales and consumption has raised eyebrows in the science and health community.
The effects of COVID-19 and its link to the increase in alcohol consumption are being seen across the country. In Minnesota, deaths from alcohol abuse have risen faster than any previous increase in the state’s history. The Minnesota Department of Health found that nearly 1,000 people died from alcohol use in their state in 2020. In 2019, 821 people died from alcohol use in Minnesota. Experts believe that this jump was due to factors related to the pandemic.
The problem is not isolated. Hospitals in the state of Virginia reported a 3.5% increase in drug and alcohol-related visits from 2019 to 2020. Another study from Missouri found that among unemployed study participants, 21% had “low, medium, or high risk” for alcohol addiction. “This is a serious problem for public health officials across the country, as many of those with an alcohol abuse disorder too struggling may not seek treatment that they urgently need.
Find treatment for alcohol addiction
Nobody expects to develop an AUD, but it happens a lot. It is the most common addiction in America. The COVID-19 outbreak unfortunately contributed to the surge in rates among Americans as well as the surge in alcoholic beverage sales. Fortunately, there are several addiction treatment centers ready to help anyone struggling with an addiction disorder. Even though we are in a pandemic, thousands of people are seeking treatment. Contact a treatment provider and discover the many options available to you or a loved one. When you’re ready to take your life back from alcohol contact us today and find the care you deserve.
