The Impact of COVID on Alcohol Use Disorder: Epidemiology and Treatment

There is mounting evidence of changes in alcohol use and associated consequences during the COVID-19 pandemic. Population level changes for women, younger, and non-Hispanic White individuals are particularly concerning, and highlight the need to increase public awareness of pandemic-related increases in drinking and associated risks among some groups. Pandemic-related changes in drinking trends may also have important implications for AUD treatment capacity, as well as availability of services for alcohol-associated comorbidities. This symposium will provide an overview of the current literature describing changes in rates of drinking, harmful drinking, and alcohol treatment utilization in the era of COVID, with emphasis on gender differences in changing drinking patterns. In addition, the session will provide an overview of the current literature elucidating the relationship between stress and alcohol use, highlighting gender differences in stress pathophysiology. Data will be presented to build the case for targeting stress pathophysiology as an effective treatment strategy for some patients, particularly in the age of COVID. This session will also encourage consideration of the role of integrative mental health and addiction services and community partnerships in optimizing comprehensive services for people with/at risk for alcohol and other substance use disorders during the pandemic and beyond.Information provided in this session will enable participants to achieve the following key learning objectives:1. Describe trends in drinking, harmful drinking, and AUD treatment utilization during the COVID-19 pandemic, including important gender differences.2. Describe, in general terms, the mechanisms by which stress drives alcohol use, including gender differences in stress pathophysiology.3. Understand the rationale for targeting stress pathophysiology as an effective treatment strategy in the age of COVID.4. List one or more exemplar AUD treatment medications that target stress pathophysiology. 5. Discuss the role of integrative mental health and addiction services and community partnerships in optimizing comprehensive services for people with/at risk for alcohol and other substance use disorders during the pandemic and beyond.