Over the past year, working from home changed to homing from work. This made life infinitely more stressful for those juggling work with running a household, while additionally burdened by being cut off from many personal connections. These living conditions are also ripe for alcohol abuse, leaving us to question, has drinking become the new American pastime?
Troubling Trends
The 2015-2020 Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend that adults drink in moderation by limiting daily intake to two drinks or less for men and one drink or less for women. This seems reasonable, but do Americans know what is considered a "drink"?
The guidelines state that one drink can be 12 oz of 5% alcohol by volume (ABV) beer, 5 oz of 12% ABV wine, or 1.5 oz of 40% ABV liquor. However, that one bottle of wine enjoyed at home in the evening is 25 oz, which equals five drinks, well above the current recommendations. Although most Americans do not drink alcohol daily, clinicians need to pay attention to the amount that our patients consume when they do.
The need to be vigilant has becoming increasingly clear over the past year.
A 2020 survey studyshowed an increase of alcohol intake during the pandemic, with 1 day more of consumption per month by 75% of American adults.
Late-Onset Alcohol Abuse Could Be a Sign of Dementia
Trending Clinical Topic: Alcohol
COMMENTARY
The Alcohol Pandemic: Are We Ready for What's Next?
Vicki M. Shah, PA-C, MMS; Nancy Reau, MD
DisclosuresMay 25, 2021
Over the past year, working from home changed to homing from work. This made life infinitely more stressful for those juggling work with running a household, while additionally burdened by being cut off from many personal connections. These living conditions are also ripe for alcohol abuse, leaving us to question, has drinking become the new American pastime?
Troubling Trends
The 2015-2020 Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend that adults drink in moderation by limiting daily intake to two drinks or less for men and one drink or less for women. This seems reasonable, but do Americans know what is considered a "drink"?
The guidelines state that one drink can be 12 oz of 5% alcohol by volume (ABV) beer, 5 oz of 12% ABV wine, or 1.5 oz of 40% ABV liquor. However, that one bottle of wine enjoyed at home in the evening is 25 oz, which equals five drinks, well above the current recommendations. Although most Americans do not drink alcohol daily, clinicians need to pay attention to the amount that our patients consume when they do.
The need to be vigilant has becoming increasingly clear over the past year.
A 2020 survey studyshowed an increase of alcohol intake during the pandemic, with 1 day more of consumption per month by 75% of American adults.
Medscape Gastroenterology © 2021
Cite this: The Alcohol Pandemic: Are We Ready for What's Next? - Medscape - May 25, 2021.
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Authors and Disclosures
Authors and Disclosures
Authors
Vicki M. Shah, PA-C, MMS
Solid Organ Transplant Lead Advanced Practice Provider, Department of Hepatology, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois
Disclosure: Vicki M. Shah, PA-C, MMS, has disclosed no relevant financial relationships.
Nancy S. Reau, MD
Professor, Department of Internal Medicine, Rush University; Richard B. Capps Chair of Hepatology; Section Chief, Hepatology; Associate Director of Organ Transplantation, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago Illinois
Disclosure: Nancy Reau, MD, has disclosed the following relevant financial relationships:
Serve(d) as a director, officer, partner, employee, advisor, consultant, or trustee for: AbbVie; Gilead; Arbutus; Intercept; Salix
Received research grant from: AbbVie; Gilead
Received income in an amount equal to or greater than $250 from: AASLD