Morning drinking during COVID-19 lockdowns

In a recent article, we reported that hazardous alcohol use and likely dependence had increased during the first six months of the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly for those under lockdown. Follow-up analysis revealed that morning drinking increased significantly for those under lockdowns, but only for individuals who reported gainful employment. Findings suggest that individuals who had jobs but found themselves unable to leave home due to lockdown/stay-at-home orders were more likely to have a drink first thing in the morning as the pandemic progressed. Morning drinking during pandemic lockdowns may contribute to increased health, occupational, and social problems.