Differences in hazardous drinking and drinking to cope by sexual identity among women during the COVID-19 pandemic
Abstract
Introduction Although hazardous drinking among women increased during the COVID-19 pandemic, few studies have examined disparities between sexual minority women (SMW) and heterosexual women during this period.Methods Data from two surveys were combined (N = 1396 [262 lesbian, 199 bisexual, and 935 heterosexual women]) to compare alcohol-related outcomes during the first year of the pandemic.Results Heavy drinking, intoxication, and drinking to cope were significantly higher among SMW than among heterosexual women. Drinking to cope was strongly associated with heavy drinking and frequent intoxication for both SMW and heterosexual women.Conclusions Findings underscore the potential value of coping-focused interventions for SMW.
Fields of Study & Subjects
Substance Abuse Treatment and Outcomes
LGBTQ Health
Identity
and Policy
COVID-19 and Mental Health
Publication details
- Journal / source
- The Journal of LGBTQ+ Mental Health
- Volume
- 30
- Issue
- 3
- Pages
- 296–321
- Publication date
- 17 February 2026
- Language
- EN