Vivian Marlowe
Alcohol consumption is a leading preventable cause of death worldwide. In 2019, 2.6 million deaths were attributable to alcohol consumption, with 2 million of those deaths being men and 0.6 million being women. This figure rose to over 3 million when accounting for deaths caused by alcohol and drug use combined. Alcohol plays a causal role in more than 200 diseases, injuries, and other health conditions. The highest levels of alcohol-related deaths per 100,000 persons are observed in the WHO European and African Regions, with 52.9 and 52.2 deaths, respectively. In the United States alone, there are roughly 261 alcohol-related deaths every day, with 95,000 Americans dying from alcohol-related causes annually.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of deaths caused by alcohol consumption worldwide in 2019 | 2.6 million |
| Number of deaths caused by noncommunicable diseases | 1.6 million |
| Number of deaths caused by injuries | 700,000 |
| Number of deaths caused by communicable diseases | 300,000 |
| Number of deaths among men | 2 million |
| Number of deaths among women | 600,000 |
| Number of people aged 15 and older with alcohol use disorders | 400 million |
| Number of people living with alcohol dependence | 209 million |
| Percentage of alcohol-attributable deaths among young people aged 20-39 | 13% |
| Total alcohol per capita consumption in the world population in 2019 | 5.5 litres |
| Number of alcohol-related deaths in the United States annually | 95,000-178,307 |
| Number of alcohol-related deaths in the United States among men | 68,000-120,000 |
| Number of alcohol-related deaths in the United States among women | 58,701-59,000 |
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What You'll Learn
Alcohol-related deaths by country
Alcohol consumption is a leading preventable cause of death in many countries. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), around 2.6 million deaths worldwide were attributable to alcohol consumption in 2019, with 2 million of those deaths among men and 0.6 million among women. However, a more recent report from June 2024 suggests that the number of annual deaths due to alcohol and drug use has risen to over 3 million, with the majority still among men.
The highest levels of alcohol-related deaths per 100,000 persons are found in the WHO European and African Regions, with 52.9 and 52.2 deaths per 100,000 people, respectively. In 2019, the highest per capita consumption of alcohol was also observed in the WHO European Region, with an average of 9.2 litres per person.
In the United States, excessive alcohol use leads to approximately 178,000 deaths each year, including deaths from chronic conditions such as liver disease, heart disease, and cancer, as well as deaths from binge drinking, motor vehicle crashes, and alcohol poisoning. Alcohol is the most commonly used substance among people aged 12 and older in the US.
While comprehensive data on alcohol-related deaths by country is limited, it is clear that alcohol consumption contributes significantly to global mortality, with an estimated 400 million people worldwide living with alcohol use disorders and 209 million living with alcohol dependence. Effective alcohol control interventions and treatment services are crucial to reducing the harmful impact of alcohol on individuals and communities.
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Alcohol-related deaths by gender
Alcohol consumption is a leading preventable cause of death worldwide. In 2019, around 2.6 million deaths were caused by alcohol consumption globally, with 2 million of those deaths being men and 600,000 being women. The number of alcohol-attributable deaths per 100,000 people decreased by 20.2% globally from 2010 to 2019. However, the total number of deaths caused by alcohol consumption increased to over 3 million in 2024.
Alcohol consumption plays a causal role in more than 200 diseases, injuries, and other health conditions. It is a known carcinogen and increases the risk of several cancers, including breast, liver, head and neck, oesophageal, and colorectal cancers. In 2019, 4.4% of cancers diagnosed globally, or 401,000 cancer deaths, were attributed to alcohol consumption. Alcohol consumption also increases the risk of cardiovascular disease, liver disease, and alcohol use disorder. In 2019, an estimated 474,000 deaths from cardiovascular diseases were caused by alcohol consumption.
Alcohol-related deaths disproportionately affect people of a younger age. In 2019, the highest proportion of alcohol-attributable deaths, 13%, occurred in individuals aged 20-39 years. This age group also experienced the most significant increase in alcohol-related deaths from 2016-2017, with a 27% increase among boys and men and a 35% increase among girls and women.
In the United States, excessive alcohol use leads to approximately 178,000 deaths each year, including 120,000 male deaths and 59,000 female deaths. These deaths are caused by both long-term drinking and binge drinking or drinking too much on one occasion. About two-thirds of alcohol-related deaths are from chronic conditions that develop over time, including cancer, heart disease, liver disease, and alcohol use disorder. The remaining one-third of alcohol-related deaths are from binge drinking, including motor vehicle crashes, alcohol-involved drug overdoses, alcohol poisonings, and suicides.
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Alcohol-related deaths by age
Alcohol consumption is a leading preventable cause of death worldwide, with 2.6 million alcohol-related deaths recorded in 2019. This figure rose to over 3 million in 2024. Alcohol consumption plays a causal role in more than 200 diseases, injuries, and other health conditions.
People aged 20-39 are disproportionately affected by alcohol consumption, with the highest proportion (13%) of alcohol-attributable deaths occurring within this age group in 2019. This is due to the highest levels of alcohol per capita consumption being observed in this age group. Binge drinking, defined as consuming at least 60g of pure alcohol on one occasion, is the most common way that people in this age group drink excessively.
Alcohol-related deaths among all age groups increased from 2016-2017 to 2020-2021. However, the increase was most pronounced among those aged 55 and older, with cancer deaths linked to alcohol use more than doubling in the United States over the last three decades. In men in this age group, alcohol-related cancer deaths rose by more than 1% every year between 2007 and 2021, and liver cancer was the most common cause of alcohol-related death in men. In women aged 55 and older, breast cancer was the most common alcohol-related cancer.
The rise in alcohol-linked cancer deaths was also notable in younger adults, with colon cancer cases rising among this age group. However, alcohol consumption among younger adults appears to be falling.
Overall, the impact of alcohol consumption on mortality varies across age groups, with those aged 20-39 experiencing the highest proportion of alcohol-attributable deaths, and those aged 55 and older experiencing a sharp rise in alcohol-related cancer deaths.
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Alcohol-related deaths by cause
Alcohol is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality, contributing to about 4.3 million emergency department visits and an estimated 178,000 deaths in the US each year. Worldwide, alcohol consumption causes about 2.6 million deaths annually, with 2 million of those being men and 600,000 being women. In 2019, the highest levels of alcohol-related deaths per 100,000 people were observed in the WHO European and African Regions, with 52.9 and 52.2 deaths per 100,000 people, respectively.
Alcohol consumption plays a causal role in more than 200 diseases, injuries, and other health conditions. The global burden of disease and injuries caused by alcohol consumption can be quantified for only 31 health conditions based on the available scientific evidence for the role of alcohol in their development. Some conditions are entirely related to alcohol, such as alcohol use disorder and alcohol poisoning, and would not occur without alcohol. Other conditions are partly related to alcohol, such as cancer, heart disease, and stroke, meaning they are caused by alcohol or other factors.
Two-thirds of alcohol-related deaths (about 117,000) are from chronic conditions that develop from drinking alcohol over time. These include several types of cancer, heart disease, liver disease, and alcohol use disorder. Another one-third of alcohol-related deaths (about 61,000) are from binge drinking or drinking too much on one occasion. Examples include motor vehicle crashes, alcohol-involved drug overdoses, alcohol poisoning, and deaths by suicide.
Alcohol-related damage to autonomic nerves may also cause cardiac arrhythmias, postural hypotension, diarrhea, and erectile dysfunction. Wernicke's encephalopathy, a treatable neurological emergency affecting both the central and peripheral nervous systems, can also develop from severe alcohol use disorder (AUD). Abstinence may lead to the improvement of symptoms.
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Alcohol-related deaths by prevention
Alcohol consumption is a leading preventable cause of death worldwide. In 2019, 2.6 million people died from alcohol consumption, with 2 million of those being men and 600,000 being women. The highest levels of alcohol-related deaths per 100,000 people were observed in the WHO European and African Regions, with 52.9 and 52.2 deaths, respectively.
Alcohol-related deaths can be prevented through various strategies and interventions. Here are some ways to reduce alcohol-related deaths by prevention:
Comprehensive and Integrated Policy Measures
It is crucial to address the factors that contribute to the widespread acceptability, availability, and affordability of alcohol. Implementing cross-sectoral, comprehensive, and integrated policy measures can help reduce the harm caused by alcohol consumption. This includes strengthening health system responses and developing accessible and comprehensive treatment and care systems for those living with alcohol use disorders and related health conditions.
Universal Health Coverage
Ensuring universal health coverage for individuals with alcohol use disorders and related health issues is vital. This includes improving access to screening, brief interventions, and treatment for hazardous alcohol use and alcohol use disorders. Strengthening health systems and providing accessible treatment options can help address the needs of those struggling with alcohol-related issues.
The SAFER Initiative
The SAFER initiative, launched by the WHO and its partners in 2018, supports countries in implementing high-impact, cost-effective interventions to reduce alcohol-related harm. This initiative provides a framework for countries to address alcohol-related issues effectively.
Proven Alcohol Policies
Implementing proven alcohol policies can reduce excessive drinking and its harmful consequences, such as illness, injury, and premature death. These policies aim to make alcohol less available, more challenging to access, and more expensive. Additionally, these policies can promote positive social norms that encourage reduced alcohol consumption.
Raising Alcohol Prices
Increasing the prices of low-cost alcoholic beverages has been shown to effectively reduce alcohol-related deaths. Higher taxes on alcohol can generate funds for health programs and community initiatives aimed at preventing alcohol-related harms. This strategy also helps reduce underage drinking and excessive alcohol consumption among adults.
Addressing Mental Health and Social Factors
Mental health conditions, stress, loneliness, and social isolation are contributing factors to increased alcohol consumption. Addressing these factors and providing support for individuals experiencing these issues can help prevent excessive drinking and related harms. This includes offering mutual help and peer support groups for those with substance use disorders.
By implementing these prevention strategies and interventions, we can effectively reduce alcohol-related deaths and improve the health and well-being of individuals, families, and communities affected by alcohol consumption.
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Frequently asked questions
It is estimated that around 7,123 people die every day from alcohol-related causes globally. This number is based on the estimate that 3 million people die annually from alcohol and drug use combined.
Approximately 261 people die every day from alcohol-related causes in the United States.
Alcohol-related deaths occur due to both long-term and short-term health consequences of excessive drinking. The leading causes of death vary by region, but globally, the highest levels of alcohol-related deaths per 100,000 persons are observed in the WHO European and African Regions. The main causes of alcohol-related deaths in the US include chronic conditions such as liver disease, heart disease, and cancer, as well as injuries and accidents, including motor vehicle crashes, alcohol poisonings, and suicides.
According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, there are approximately 178,000 alcohol-related deaths in the US each year. However, another source estimates this number to be 95,000.
