Young Victorians Face Rising Liver Disease After Covid Lockdowns 2026

Rising numbers of young Victorians are being hospitalised with severe, irreversible liver disease, according to a new report that highlights a worrying trend in alcohol-related harm. The Burnet Institute study, commissioned by the Foundation for Alcohol Research and Education (Fare), analysed nearly two decades of Victorian health data and found that alcohol-related hospital admissions remain above pre-pandemic levels after peaking during Covid lockdowns.

What the Data Shows

The study examined 4,111 hospital admissions between 1 January 2017 and 30 June 2024, along with clinical data from 1 January 2010 to 30 June 2024. When Covid lockdowns began in March 2020, treatment of alcohol-related hepatitis – a subset of liver disease – rose sharply. Admissions slowed after restrictions eased in late 2021, but they have continued to be far above pre-pandemic levels.

While men made up the majority of cases, accounting for 62.5% of alcohol-linked hepatitis admissions, there was a sharp increase among women. The lead researcher, Prof Jessica Howell, attributed the rise in excessive drinking to stress and uncertainty during lockdowns, although the report cannot specifically tease out the causes.

Why It Matters: Access and Stress

One key factor Howell points to is increased access to alcohol. “Access to alcohol increased because you could get it delivered to your home,” she said. “So that really did lead to an escalation.” The convenience of home delivery, combined with the overall stress and uncertainty of lockdowns, created a perfect storm for excessive drinking.

The rise in alcohol-related liver disease among young people is particularly concerning because liver disease is often irreversible and can lead to serious complications. Hospitalisations for alcohol-related hepatitis are a sign of severe liver damage, and the fact that they remain elevated post-pandemic suggests that the increased drinking habits formed during lockdowns may be persisting.

Key Takeaways

• Alcohol-related hospital admissions in Victoria remain above pre-pandemic levels after peaking during Covid lockdowns.
• Young people, especially women, are seeing a sharp increase in severe liver disease admissions.
• Increased home delivery of alcohol during lockdowns contributed to higher consumption.
• Stress and uncertainty during the pandemic are linked to excessive drinking.
• The report analysed nearly two decades of data but cannot pinpoint exact causes.

Who Is Affected

The trend affects young Victorians, with a notable rise among women. Men still account for the majority of alcohol-linked hepatitis admissions, but the sharp increase among women is a new and troubling development. This suggests that public health interventions may need to target young women specifically, addressing the unique stressors they faced during the pandemic.

The broader community is also affected, as rising hospital admissions put pressure on the healthcare system. Alcohol-related liver disease is costly to treat and can lead to long-term disability or death, making it a significant public health issue. The background to this story is set out in Victoria's Koalas in Chronic Poor Health, Population Halved. A related thread runs through Covid Inquiry: Adult Social Care Was an Afterthought.

What to Watch Next

Researchers and public health officials will be monitoring whether these elevated admission rates continue to decline or plateau. The report’s findings underscore the need for ongoing support for people with alcohol use disorders and for policies that limit the availability of alcohol, especially during times of crisis. Earlier coverage in One Nation Victoria Election Candidates: Underworld Links and Health shows how the argument developed. A closer look at the same subject appears in Voluntary Assisted Dying Care Navigators Guide Victorians.

As the pandemic fades, the long-term effects of increased drinking during lockdowns are still unfolding. Continued surveillance and targeted interventions will be crucial to reversing this trend. Anyone following the wider picture can start with Fauci's Journal Reveals Disillusionment with Trump's Covid. The same theme surfaces in Victoria Doctors Strike: Band-Aids No Fix for Broken Health System, which takes a different angle.

The report’s findings come amid broader debates about public health policy in Australia. As Fauci vs News Corp: Lab Leak Theory Nonsense, Australia News shows, misinformation and political tensions can complicate public health responses. Similarly, the challenges faced by small businesses during the pandemic, as discussed in Small Business Survival in Australia: Post-Covid Challenges, highlight the widespread impact of Covid-19.

Understanding the factors that led to increased alcohol consumption during lockdowns is crucial for preventing future harm. The availability of home delivery, combined with stress, created an environment where excessive drinking thrived. As we move forward, it’s important to learn from these experiences and implement measures to protect public health.

For those concerned about their own or others’ drinking, resources are available. The report underscores the need for continued research and action to address alcohol-related liver disease, especially among young people.