Addiction services in England could struggle to cope with "soaring" numbers of people misusing alcohol, the Royal College of Psychiatrists is warning.
It says deep cuts made to addiction services could mean patients will miss out on life-saving care.
The rise in risky drinking comes at a time when more people addicted to opiates are seeking help from addiction services, says the college, referring to National Drug Treatment Monitoring System statistics showing 3,459 new adult cases in April - up 20% from 2,947 in the same month the previous year.
Prof Julia Sinclair, chair of the college's addictions faculty, said: "Covid-19 has shown just how stretched, under-resourced and ill-equipped addiction services are to treat the growing numbers of vulnerable people living with this complex illness
Laura Bunt from the drug, alcohol and mental health charity We Are With You said: "Social isolation and a lack of a human connection is a big factor behind why some people turn to alcohol as a coping mechanism, so clearly the pandemic continues to be really tough for many people
A Department of Health and Social Care spokesperson said: "We have increased their funding this year, providing over £3.2 billion to spend on public health services like addiction
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