Post-pandemic drinking will be influenced by technology, health trends – Scranton Times-Tribune

SCRANTON — When Anthony Arnoni and his friends go out for drinks and dinner, they’re not worried about a particular driver.

Instead, the friends downloaded a ride-sharing app onto their smartphone that they could use to order a ride home. Uber and Lyft are the two most used apps, and both advertise safe, vetted drivers to get customers home safely.

But Olyphant’s 32-year-old Arnoni points out that the rides aren’t cheap, which is particularly concerning in a weakening economy. Therefore, it is often cheaper to invite friends over for drinks and dinner.

Even then, revelers often opt for a ride to get home rather than risk a DUI.

Ride-sharing apps make it easier and safer to drink alcohol, which sometimes includes a night of heavy drinking, Arnoni said. But that’s not always the case among his friends.

Arnoni, a musician, also plays at local bars and dinner clubs.

When he invites someone to listen to him, he encourages them to use Uber to get home so they can stay late and have a relaxing evening without fear of being cited for drunk driving or driving under the influence.

Part of that, he said, is due to DUI checkpoints and other enforcement tools that increase the likelihood of being stopped and cited.

DUIs are down

Drunk driving arrests are declining in Pennsylvania. Statewide police statistics show there were 42,409 DUI arrests in 2022, a decrease from 44,531 in 2021.

Research is divided as to what caused the decline, but Uber, in collaboration with Mother’s Against Drunk Driving, says the ride-sharing app has reduced fatalities and drunk driving.

Uber announced a partnership with the MADD network in July to address driver disruption. Data suggests that Uber helped reduce U.S. traffic fatalities by about 5% and alcohol-related traffic fatalities by about 6% in 2019.

“Uber’s commitment to safety aligns seamlessly with MADD’s mission and its significant investment will advance innovative initiatives aimed at preventing tragedies on our roads,” said Stacey D. Stewart, CEO of MADD. “By pooling our resources and expertise, we can make an enormous contribution to preventing impaired driving and saving lives. Together we are stronger and together we will continue to drive change.”

But other factors likely play a role in reducing drunk driving in the region and across the country.

For example, during the COVID pandemic, the number of home-delivered alcohol surged.

It is now more convenient for consumers to order alcohol online and have it delivered to their home rather than drinking in bars, hitting the streets and risking a report.

In a study conducted by Door Dash, 60% of online habits respondents said they would purchase more alcohol online in 2023 than in 2022. The same study found that about 70% of consumers reported ordering alcohol online at least monthly.

In addition, ready-to-drink canned cocktails became available for purchase at local grocery and convenience stores in September, alongside other malt beverages.

The change allowed consumers to purchase their favorite mixed drink and simply take it home to enjoy later.

Difficult measure

It is difficult to compile accurate statistics on alcohol consumption because it is not easy to track who drinks how much.

But Nicholas Colangelo, PhD, who ran recovery treatment facilities including Marworth and Clearbrook for more than four decades, said he looks at one number as a key indicator of alcohol consumption in the state and country – sales.

Overall, alcohol sales in Pennsylvania have increased in recent years. The Liquor Control Board reported total sales of $3.15 billion in 2023. In 2021-2022, the board reported total revenue of $2.83 billion.

“Nobody has precise information about who drinks and how much,” he said. “But if you look at sales, they have increased. The sales figures are correct.”

Research numbers are less accurate, he said.

For example, during the pandemic it has been difficult to obtain accurate figures on alcohol and drug consumption.

“What happened to a drug dealer during COVID?” he said.

Colangelo has even heard reports of young people working from home while drinking.

“They could stand up and walk away from their screen. They drank and took drugs during the workday,” he said. “But statistically, I don’t think anyone has it under control.”

But Colangelo, who has been involved in 12-step recovery for more than 50 years, said he knows the need for treatment has steadily increased over that time. The number of AA meetings in the Wyoming Valley has increased exponentially during this time, with multiple meetings taking place each day.

For example, in the Hazleton area in 1985 there were two meetings per week, on Tuesday and Saturday evenings. There are now over 30 weekly meetings.

Likewise, he said, people in need of treatment often have to wait for a bed to become available, and new recovery centers continue to open across the state and country.

Across generations

Age appears to play a role in alcohol consumption.

For example, if you’re part of Generation Z and were born between 1997 and 2012, you’re likely to consume less alcohol than the Millennial generation born between 1981 and 1996, according to a 2023 Nielson study.

The study suggests several reasons for Generation Z’s tendency toward abstinence, including a focus on nutrition, a focus on physical and mental health, and a preference for soft drinks.

In addition, Generation Z is more committed to responsible budgeting and saving money, the study says.

The study found that in 2023, 45% of Generation Z ages 21 and older had not consumed alcohol, a 2% decrease from 47% in 2022. This percentage is comparatively higher than the percentage of other generations who have not drank alcoholic beverages, which was between 32 and 36%.

Older people now seem to have a reason to give up drinking.

For many years, older people were encouraged to drink a daily drink to relax and improve heart health. But that has changed.

A study published in August by the American Medical Associated found that even moderate alcohol consumption increased disease-related mortality in older adults without producing any measurable benefit.

And nearly half of American adults appear to agree with the study.

According to a Gallup poll released last month, nearly half of Americans believe that one or two drinks a day is harmful to their health. This is the highest percentage recorded so far in the survey, which has been conducted 10 times since 2001.

Meanwhile, the way alcohol is consumed changes over time.

Just as more people are working from home, ordering groceries online and using their smartphones frequently, people are ordering alcohol online, using an app to get home from bars and buying cocktails in a supermarket.