While Many Americans are Adopting Better Habits, Nearly 1 in 5 are Drinking or Smoking More

While a majority of Americans said their mood overall has stabilized since January, nearly 3 in 10 rated their mental health as “fair” or “poor” and almost 1 in 5 said they have increased their alcohol consumption or smoking, according to data from the latest Healthy Minds Monthly poll conducted by Morning Consult for the American Psychiatric Association (APA).

The survey, which focused on Americans’ moods and COVID-19-related habits, was conducted February 18 to 19, 2022, among a nationally representative sample of 2500 adults across the US. Key findings from the research included:

• 18% of respondents said they are drinking more; 17% are smoking more
• 64% stated their mood has been stable since January, and that the pandemic either had not changed their daily habits (49%) or changed them for the better (26%)
• 28% reported their mental health was fair or poor

Urgent Need for Mental Health Services as US Recovers from Pandemic

Fathers (37%) were nearly twice as likely as mothers (19%) to report that their mood had improved, and were also more likely to say that spending more time at home changed daily habits for the better. Adult men were also more likely to say that they have increased the amount they exercise and shower, but the same group also reported higher rates of alcohol consumption, smoking, and illicit drug use.

“While many Americans seem to have emerged from the pandemic feeling good about their new habits, there are some points of concern here, such as those who’ve started using substances more than before,” APA President Vivian Pender, MD, said in a news release. “Also, people’s finances can matter to mental health, which is important to monitor while the nation’s economy is in flux.”

Reference

As Americans emerge from pandemic, many report adopting better habits, while one in five are smoking or drinking more. News release. American Psychiatric Association. March 7, 2022. Accessed March 14, 2022.