Heavy drinking habits that surged during the COVID-19 pandemic haven’t gone away — and health experts say the trend is still raising serious concerns. A new study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine shows alcohol use among adults increased four percent from 2018 to 2020, while heavy drinking jumped by 20 percent. Researchers say that increase continued into 2022.

Doctors say the pandemic created the perfect storm for unhealthy habits; with stress, isolation, and major lifestyle changes pushing many people to drink more. Dr. Jessy Mathew, a primary care physician with OSF HealthCare, says COVID took a heavy emotional toll on many families.

The study defines heavy drinking as five drinks in a day or 15 in a week for men, and four drinks in a day or eight in a week for women. The increase was seen across nearly every age group, gender, and region of the country — with adults in their 40s showing the biggest jump. Dr. Mathew says how alcohol affects someone can vary widely.

Health experts warn heavy drinking increases the risk of heart disease, cancer, anxiety, depression, accidents, and a wide range of social and behavioral problems. Dr. Mathew says alcohol impacts nearly every part of the body.

She says the earlier someone starts drinking, the higher their risk of serious health problems later in life; and women are especially vulnerable.

Dr. Mathew also says alcohol can increase the risk of infertility, menstrual problems, and osteoporosis, which can lead to fractures.

For those trying to cut back, she recommends avoiding triggers, finding healthy ways to deal with stress like exercise or walking, limiting alcohol at home, and finding hobbies that don’t involve drinking. She adds if you start feeling guilty about drinking, become easily agitated, or find yourself drinking at unusual times of day, it may be time to seek professional help.