Interrupted Time Series Analysis of Alcohol Use Disorder Treatment Utilisation During the Coronavirus Pandemic in Hamburg, Germany.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

Alcohol use and treatment for alcohol use disorder (AUD) changed during the pandemic. Alcohol consumption increased among high-risk groups, while treatment utilisation declined, raising concerns about an expanding treatment gap. This study analyses inpatient and outpatient AUD treatment trends during the pandemic.

Methods

We analysed electronic health records from 5671 patients residing in Hamburg, Germany, who utilised at least one alcohol-related treatment between January 2016 and December 2021. Data from two statutory health insurance providers and two pension funds provided weekly numbers of patients receiving AUD treatment, including outpatient (psychiatric consultations, psychotherapy, pharmacotherapy), inpatient standard and intensive treatment, and outpa

SUBMITTER: Manthey J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12839788 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature