Examining how the COVID-19 pandemic affected alcohol use in the U.S.
Official title: Understanding longitudinal relationships between COVID-19 pandemic outcomes and alcohol use and problems from 2019 to 2020 and 2021 for the U.S. population and vulnerable groups.
Funded at Public Health Institute · NIH-10689923 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the COVID-19 pandemic has changed drinking habits and related issues for people in the U.S., especially those who might be more at risk, by asking participants about their alcohol use and mental health during and after the pandemic.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Public Health Institute NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Oakland, United States) |
| Project start | September 22, 2021 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $360,450 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AA029921-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10689923 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals who have experienced changes in their alcohol consumption patterns during the COVID-19 pandemic, especially those from vulnerable communities.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have not experienced any changes in their alcohol use or who do not consume alcohol may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the long-term effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on alcohol consumption and related problems among the U.S. population, particularly focusing on vulnerable groups. By collecting data from a nationally representative cohort over three time points, the study aims to understand how pandemic-related stressors have influenced drinking behaviors and their consequences on health. Participants will be surveyed to assess changes in their alcohol use patterns and mental health outcomes during and after the pandemic.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide valuable insights into the relationship between pandemic stressors and alcohol use, potentially guiding interventions to support individuals struggling with alcohol-related issues.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown significant increases in alcohol consumption during the early pandemic, indicating that this research builds on established findings and aims to explore these trends further.
Where this research is happening
-
Public Health Institute
Oakland, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Martinez, Priscilla — Public Health Institute
- Study coordinator: Martinez, Priscilla
Related research
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This study is looking at how the COVID-19 pandemic has affected people who might struggle with alcohol use, focusing on the stressors from the pandemic that could make things harder for them, and it aims to find helpful ways to support those who are at risk.
-
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This study looks at how drinking alcohol might affect COVID-19 infection rates in teens aged 14-17, especially focusing on how it could weaken their immune systems and change their social behaviors, while also exploring how the pandemic has changed drinking habits among young people, particularly those from marginalize
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This study is looking at how COVID-19 and alcohol use disorder (AUD) affect each other, especially for adults who might be more at risk, and it hopes to find ways to help those who are struggling with both during the pandemic.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.