“My Health Is More Important than Drinking”: A Qualitative Analysis of Alcohol Use During COVID-19

(1) Background: Although alcohol use increased overall in the US during the COVID-19 pandemic, approximately 16% of people decreased their drinking. Understanding reasons for decreasing or discontinuing alcohol use during a time of crisis could inform alcohol messaging during future crises. (2) Methods: We conducted hour-long interviews with 26 participants who reported drinking above NIAAA guidelines at the second wave of the National Alcohol Survey COVID Cohort (a longitudinal study of alcohol use during the COVID-19 pandemic). Data were analyzed using codebook thematic analysis. (3) Results: Many participants reported decreasing use after a period of heavy drinking. Four themes emerged as reasons for doing so: (1) health conditions attributed to or worsened by drinking, (2) concerns about developing the same alcohol problems as a family member, (3) life demands and transitions that limited drinking opportunities, and (4) disliking the side- and after-effects of drinking (e.g., hangovers). (4) Conclusions: Concerns about negative health consequences from heavy alcohol use and limited opportunities to use alcohol due to competing life demands were salient reasons for reducing or abstaining from alcohol use during COVID-19. Incorporating themes about health and life obligations into messaging to reduce alcohol use during crises may improve message relevance.