It's been an economic lifeline for many businesses, but healthcare experts caution there could be serious consequences for millions of Americans that linger long after COVID-19 has passed. "I get worried when people think about alcohol as a tool to unwind, a tool to cope with stress and anxiety," said Dr. Lorenzo Leggio, a researcher with the National Institute of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. Leggio told NPR that for societal reasons alcohol feels less risky than other drugs — including opioids, meth and cocaine — that have also seen a surge in use during the pandemic.