Multiple outlets report that alcohol-associated liver harm has increased during the COVID-19 period and remains above pre-pandemic levels. ABC Australia says a new report finds rates of alcohol-related hepatitis rose sharply during the pandemic and continue to be higher than before, with women and younger people identified as at-risk groups.
The Guardian focuses on evidence from Victoria, warning about severe, irreversible liver disease among young people. It says a Burnet Institute report, commissioned by the Foundation for Alcohol Research and Education, analyzes nearly two decades of Victorian health data and finds alcohol-related hospital admissions still exceed pre-pandemic levels after peaking during lockdowns. While it notes that overall drinking trends among young people move downward, it also highlights concern that a small minority are drinking damaging amounts.
Together, the coverage emphasizes post-pandemic persistence of alcohol-related liver disease, but differs in scope and framing: ABC Australia highlights hepatitis rates and broad at-risk groups, while The Guardian spotlights young Victorians, hospitalizations, and fears about severe long-term consequences for a subset of drinkers.
