Alcohol Use Declined in Switzerland During Pandemic But Better Alcohol Policy Action Is Needed

A study by the Addiction Switzerland Foundation found that alcohol use declined by 2.6 standard units of alcohol per month, per person during the pandemic compared to the alcohol intake before COVID-19. This corresponds to a 7.7% decrease in alcohol use in the general population.
Nevertheless, researchers emphasize polarization of alcohol use. Several groups have increased their alcohol intake, including young people.
More needs to be and can be done to improve alcohol policy in Switzerland to address alcohol harm at the population level.