America’s drinking problem and what to do about it

As people across the nation adjusted to changes brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, alcohol sales skyrocketed.

By mid-April 2020, beer sales increased by 45.6 percent, wine by 44.3 percent and spirits jumped by 19.4 percent compared to 2019, according to a Nielsen analysis. 

While overall drinking increased, drinking among women saw a distinct spike. The Journal of the American Medical Association reported a 41 percent increase in the frequency of heavy drinking among women, compared to 2019. Is the pandemic to blame?

Tuesday, two experts joined host Kerri Miller to talk about the history and evolution of drinking in the United States, its role as a social and cultural tool and its use as a coping mechanism.  

Guests:

• Christine Sismondo is a writer, drinks expert and author of “America Walks Into a Bar: A Spirited History of Taverns and Saloons, Speakeasies and Grog Shops.”

• Mallory O’Meara is a filmmaker, author, and cohost of the literary podcast “Reading Glasses.” Her upcoming book is “Girly Drinks: A World History of Women and Alcohol.” 

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