Alcohol consumption among older adults in the United States amidst the COVID-19 pandemic: an analysis of the 2017–2021 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System

Alcohol consumption is responsible for numerous life-threatening diseases, including liver cirrhosis, heart disease, and various cancers. During the pandemic, alcohol-related deaths increased from 2019 to 2021, topping out at approximately 108,000 deaths related to alcohol. This trend also introduced the question whether heavy alcohol consumption and binge drinking increased during the pandemic, particularly in those 65 and older.