- You saw in front of you people who were isolated in the home. Who could not work. And that isolation and anxiety could drive unhealthy drinking, says Sven Andreasson.

He says that the concern did not only apply to the groups that already have problems, but also to the entire population.

- It was feared that more people would get into a heavier drink.

Consumption has decreased

But preliminary calculations from CAN, the Central Association for Alcohol and Drug Information, show that there was no increased consumption of alcohol in Sweden during the corona pandemic. By looking at registered and unregistered purchases, CAN states that the procurement of alcohol in total decreased by 7 percent in March and April this year compared to the same months in 2019.

SVT has also been able to take part in the Addiction Center's compilation of how many people with an alcohol diagnosis have sought care at the region's various addiction clinics or emergency care linked to their alcohol diagnosis since January. The pandemic months are compared with the corresponding period last year and there is no increase.

- We have not seen any clear trend at all. It may have to do with avoiding care contacts, you may simply stay away, says Sven Andreasson and continues:

- An observation, however, is that those who come to us describe an increased drinking.

But Sven Andreasson has not yet compiled that data.

Less drinking when we meet more rarely

Sven Andreasson says that the total reduction in drinking can be traced to some fairly obvious factors.

- Many people drink in social contexts, among friends and acquaintances. And such contexts have diminished, leading to fewer drinking opportunities. And the restaurants also have fewer customers.

At the same time, Systembolaget's sales figures have increased during the first months of the pandemic.  

- But it does not compensate for the reduction in total consumption. If total consumption changes, the problems change in the same direction. So if the general consumption has gone down, you have got a little calmer when it comes to alcohol problems.