COVID-19 Fueled Alcohol Deaths & Hospitalizations in Canada

A new study published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal has revealed a sharp rise in alcohol-related deaths and hospitalizations in Canada during the COVID-19 pandemic. From April 2020 to December 2022, alcohol-related mortality rose by 17.6%, with 1,600 excess deaths, while hospital admissions increased by 8.1%—a total of 7,100 additional hospitalizations.

COVID-19 and the Rise of Alcohol-Related Harm

Before the pandemic, alcohol consumption was already a significant public health concern in Canada, contributing to 18,000 deaths and 100,000 hospitalizations annually. However, COVID-19 exacerbated these issues due to:
✔ Increased stress, isolation, and disrupted routines
✔ A surge in alcohol sales, marking the highest increase in a decade
✔ More at-home drinking due to lockdowns
✔ Reduced healthcare access for alcohol use disorders

While it was clear that alcohol use spiked during the pandemic, its direct impact on mortality and hospitalizations remained unknown—until now.

Study Findings on Alcohol Deaths: Who Was Affected the Most?

Researchers analyzed national health records from 2016-2022, using statistical models to compare expected vs. observed alcohol-related death and hospitalizations during the pandemic.

Key Findings:

• Deaths surged among young adults (25-44 years old), rising 55.4%
• The Prairie provinces (Alberta, Manitoba, Saskatchewan) saw a 28.1% spike in alcohol deaths, followed by British Columbia (24.2%)
• Alcoholic liver disease was the leading cause, with a 22% increase in deaths and a 23% rise in hospitalizations
• Lower-income groups suffered higher mortality rates, while the wealthiest Canadians had the lowest increase in alcohol-related deaths (11.7%)

“The COVID-19 pandemic created the perfect storm for increased alcohol consumption,” researchers noted.

The Need for Urgent Public Health Action

Experts warn that these findings highlight long-term public health risks, urging policymakers to:

• Strengthen alcohol regulations and awareness campaigns
• Expand access to addiction treatment and mental health support
• Implement harm-reduction strategies to prevent further alcohol-related deaths

Conclusion: A Lasting Impact on Public Health

The study confirms that COVID-19 had profound and lasting effects on alcohol consumption and its health consequences. With alcohol-related death and hospitalizations still elevated, public health experts stress the need for urgent intervention to reduce harm and support those affected.

More Information: Shi, Y., Macrae, K., Groh, de, Thompson, W., & Stockwell, T. (2025). Mortality and hospitalizations fully attributable to alcohol use before versus during the COVID-19 pandemic in Canada. Canadian Medical Association Journal, 197, 4. doi:10.1503/cmaj.241146