Early Impact of the U.S. COVID-19 Pandemic on Drinking Motives and Alcohol Use

Background: The goal of this study was to empirically examine the degree which alcohol use and drinking motives changed during first month pandemic individual differences associated with such changes. Methods: A U.S. nationwide survey 500 adults conducted; data from 201 individuals (Mage=38.98, SD=12.04, 52.2% female, 76.1% White) who endorsed current were included in study. Results: Paired-samples t-tests indicated that there a significant decrease quantity [t(199)=3.74, p<.001], but no change frequency [t(198)=0.19, p=.849] overall pandemic. There decreases enhancement [t(201)=4.55, social [t(201)=9.39, p<.001] conformity [t(201)=3.58, motives, increase coping [t(201)=-3.71, p<.001]. Regression analyses showed increases [β=0.46, [β=0.27, p=.004] significantly related frequency, [β=0.32, p=.002] quantity. Riskier prior greater [β=0.31, Conclusion: Results provide initial support changes important predictors for Contrary anecdotal reports, decreased pandemic; however, those existing risky patterns start at greatest risk escalation time.