COVID-19: Alcohol Use and Violence in the Bay Area

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on alcohol consumption and exposure to violence, especially in the San Francisco Bay Area. Between January 2021 and April 2023, researchers gathered data from 565 adults who drink alcohol. They found that heavy drinking (four or more drinks on one occasion, at least four times a month) was common, with 73. 7% of participants reporting it. Many also experienced violence (71. 6%) and gender-based violence (GBV) (20. 5%). During the pandemic, these numbers climbed, with 26.1% experiencing violence and 8. 9% experiencing GBV. People who faced violence or GBV during the pandemic were more likely to drink heavily and consume more alcohol than usual. Those who experienced more violence than before the pandemic had even higher odds of heavy drinking. The desire for alcohol was also stronger among those who faced GBV. This study highlights the need for better violence prevention and alcohol harm reduction strategies in future pandemics.