Pandemic Drinking Spurs Surge in Liver Disease and Transplants
Excessive drinking during the COVID-19 pandemic has led to a surge in alcohol-associated liver disease, resulting in an increased need for liver transplants. Transplant centers across the United States are reporting a higher number of patients requiring liver transplants due to alcohol-related liver disease compared to pre-pandemic levels. The demographics of patients needing transplants have also shifted, with younger individuals in their 20s and 30s, as well as more women, now requiring transplants. Doctors attribute the increase in alcohol use to pandemic-related stress, isolation, and changes in drinking culture. However, the stigma surrounding alcohol-associated liver disease remains a barrier to seeking help, and doctors emphasize the importance of reducing stigma and providing support for patients in need.