Alcoholism on the Rise

Excessive alcohol consumption increased during the pandemic, likely driven by stress and isolation. Not many people are getting treatment, and many who do see a doctor don’t change their behavior. There are actually medications that can reduce the urge to drink, but recent research by Wilson Compton finds that few doctors prescribe it to patients. Compton is the deputy director of the National Institute on Drug Abuse. (Segment produced by Olivia Young)