Alcohol-related deaths in the US have doubled in 21 years

A study by Florida Atlantic University found that alcohol-related deaths in the United States nearly doubled between 1999 and 2020, rising from 10.7 to 21.6 per 100,000 people. During this period, the total number of deaths increased from 19,356 to 48,870.

Key findings include:

• Deaths among 25-34 year olds have almost quadrupled.
• Individuals aged 55-64 had the highest death rates.
• Overall death rates were higher for men, but women saw the largest relative increase; deaths increased from 4.8 to 12 per 100,000.
• Asian and Pacific Islander communities and the Midwest experienced the sharpest increases.

Researchers highlight gender differences and note that women may be more vulnerable to the effects of alcohol due to body composition and metabolism. Social changes and targeted marketing have also contributed to increased alcohol consumption among women.

The study highlights the need for targeted interventions to address factors such as obesity, diabetes and mental health that worsen alcohol-related risks.

Healthcare providers are encouraged to screen for alcohol use and address comorbid conditions to reduce alcohol’s impact on premature deaths and cardiovascular disease.

Alcohol consumption around the world and in the United States varies significantly by region. According to 2019 data, the highest annual consumption per capita was in Latvia with 13.2 liters, followed by France with 12.2 liters and the USA with 10 liters.

Descriptive data on mortality rates reveal complex links between alcohol use and premature deaths. For example, Latvia is the leader in alcohol consumption and third in total deaths, while France has low cardiovascular mortality but high rates of cirrhosis and liver cancer despite high alcohol consumption.

In contrast, Russian men have high alcohol consumption and a high rate of cardiovascular death. These patterns demonstrate complex relationships between alcohol consumption, premature death, and disease, regardless of beverage type.

“High levels of alcohol consumption, both globally and in the United States, are closely linked to premature death and disability,” he said. Charles H. Hennekens from FAU.

“The difference between consuming small amounts of alcohol per day and consuming larger amounts of alcohol can be the difference between preventing and causing premature death. One of the direct effects of alcohol is liver damage, and rising rates of obesity and diabetes in the United States also contribute to premature liver damage,” he said.

The study was: published in American Journal of Medicine.