Like everyday life, many people's drinking habits changed during the corona pandemic.
However, not always for the better, as a study shows.
The SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus has changed alcohol habits.
According to an OECD study, people reached for bottles more often.
Long-term consequences of alcohol abuse could be a shorter life expectancy.
The corona pandemic has undoubtedly changed life and everyday life: wearing masks in rooms and in busy places, keeping your distance, much more time in the home office than before, to name just a few points.
We know from studies that the pandemic causes illness in the long term.
The reports of corona long-term effects in children are also increasing.
Domestic violence also increased during the lockdowns.
Educators therefore sounded the alarm.
A new study by the OECD shows how people's psyche is burdened.
The Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development fears that the corona pandemic could change the drinking habits of many people.
Study: People reach for bottles more often during the corona pandemic
Experience from previous crises suggested that there could be an increase in problem alcohol consumption in the medium term, according to an OECD report published on Wednesday. Excessive alcohol consumption is quite common after traumatic events to reduce stress - this increases the risk of picking up the bottle. Covid-19 has undoubtedly shaken people and communities around the world and created the conditions for long-term physical and psychological problems, it said.
"The pandemic has also highlighted the problems associated with harmful alcohol consumption - especially in the family environment," the experts write.
Overall, most people have not changed the amount of alcohol they drink - but of those who did, a greater proportion increased their consumption, according to a paper on the subject.
In addition, the frequency of drinking has increased.
Alcohol: Germany at the forefront when it comes to consumption
According to the OECD report, Germany has one of the highest alcohol consumption levels.
12.9 liters of pure alcohol would be consumed per person per year.
This corresponds to around 2.6 bottles of wine or five liters of beer per week per person aged 15 and over.
34 percent of adults drink a lot at least once a month - that is, more than 80 percent of a bottle of wine or 1.5 liters of beer per occasion.
According to preliminary estimates, total alcohol sales in Germany, Great Britain and the United States rose slightly by three to five percent in 2020 compared to 2019, the experts write.
Alcohol abuse could reduce life expectancy by a year
The pandemic has also changed the places where people drink: While bars and restaurants were badly affected by the closings, retail and online shops have increased their sales significantly.
After all: Initial findings indicate that the likelihood of binge drinking has not changed much as a result of the pandemic.
According to the analyzes, life expectancy could fall by just under a year over the next 30 years due to illnesses and injuries caused by drinking more than one alcoholic drink per day for women and one and a half drinks for men.
(mt / dpa)
