One in five Australians is buying more booze than usual during the coronavirus pandemic and many are worried about their alcohol intake.

Seventy per cent of people are drinking more than normal and one-third are consuming alcohol every day, new statistics reveal.

Health advocates are alarmed by the spike in drinking habits, confirmed by a YouGov poll of more than 1000 Australian adults on Thursday.

People reported drinking to cope with stress and doing so on their own.

They also admitted drinking more than planned and starting earlier in the day.

Now more than ever, it’s important to stay healthy for ourselves and our loved ones.
✅Find out more: https://t.co/fQRbooE8vl #InThisTogether #COVID19Au #covid19 #wellness #publichealth #family pic.twitter.com/5G29Q8MJqf

— FARE (@FAREAustralia) April 15, 2020

The Foundation for Alcohol Research and Education wants to stamp out problem drinking – defined as being no more than four standard drinks in a day and no more than 10 standard drinks in a week – by restricting marketing and delivery services.

“We need to get ahead of this before it’s too late and this involves action from governments across the country,” chief executive Caterina Giorgio said.

New data shows there has been a 326.51% increase in alcohol marketing on social media compared to this time last year. We’ve seen alcohol ads using COVID-19 & isolation in sales pitches. Using COVID-19 & isolation to sell more alcohol should not be allowed. @FAREAustralia #auspol

— Caterina Giorgi (@catgiorgi) April 15, 2020

Not only are people concerned about their drinking habits, they are also worried about other people in their household.

“Increased drinking by people worried about COVID-19 might be good news for alcohol industry executives, but it’s certainly worrying news for our community’s health,” Ms Giorgi said.

-AAP