Noah Vinter
Alcohol is one of the leading causes of preventable deaths in the United States. While the number of fatalities varies across sources, with some stating 93,000, 15,000, or 175,000, alcohol-related deaths in the US are alarmingly high. These deaths are caused by a range of factors, including accidents, chronic conditions, liver disease, cancer, heart conditions, and suicide. Alcohol use disorder (AUD) affects a significant portion of the population, and the easy availability of alcohol, along with social acceptance, contributes to the high number of alcohol-related deaths.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of people dying from alcohol-related causes per year | 175,000+ |
| Number of people dying from alcohol-related diseases per year | 15,000 |
| Number of people dying from alcohol-impaired crashes per year | 10,000-13,000 |
| Number of people dying from liver disease per year | 3,874 |
| Number of people dying from intentional self-harm per year | 1,694 |
| Number of people dying from throat cancer per year | 1,280 |
| Number of people with alcohol use disorder (AUD) | 28.3 million |
| Average amount of alcohol consumed per year by a person with an average income | 6.2 liters |
| Percentage of cancer deaths in the US caused by alcohol | 4% |
| State with the highest alcohol-induced death rate | Wyoming |
| Percentage of people aged 12 and older who drink alcohol at least once a week | 25% |
| Percentage of people aged 12 and older who drink alcohol daily | 12% |
| Percentage of people with alcohol use disorder (AUD) | 8% |
| Percentage of people aged 15-29 whose deaths are alcohol-related | 9% |
| Percentage of deaths in men aged 16-24 attributed to alcohol | 25%+ |
| Percentage of deaths in women aged 16-24 attributed to alcohol | 15% |
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What You'll Learn
Alcohol-related traffic accidents
Alcohol-impaired crashes are among the most frequent and serious types of traffic accidents in the United States. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), drunk driving is responsible for approximately one-third of traffic fatalities. In 2023, 12,429 people died in alcohol-impaired driving fatalities, equating to about 34 deaths per day or one person killed every 42 minutes. This is a staggering statistic and a devastating loss of life that could have been prevented.
The impact of alcohol on driving ability is significant, even with small amounts consumed. Blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is a key measure, with a higher BAC impairing thinking, reasoning, and muscle coordination, all essential for safe driving. In 2023, 2,117 people were killed in crashes where the driver had a BAC of .01 to .07 g/dL, and 1,668 motorcycle riders killed had a BAC of .08 g/dL or higher. The NHTSA also reports that 67% of alcohol-related fatal crashes occur at night, with 40% taking place on residential streets.
Young people are particularly vulnerable, with car crashes being a leading cause of death for teens. In 2023, 30% of young drivers aged 15 to 20 who were killed in crashes had BACs of .01 g/dL or higher. Drunk driving is a serious issue among underage drinkers, and it is illegal to drive drunk in all states. To address this, all states have adopted a minimum legal drinking age of 21, and these laws have saved thousands of lives.
The financial cost of alcohol-impaired crashes is also substantial. In 2020, the estimated cost of the 10,511 alcohol-impaired crash fatalities was approximately $123.3 billion. This included tangible costs such as medical expenses and lost productivity, as well as intangible costs like pain and suffering.
While drunk driving deaths saw record lows in 2011 and 2014, there has been a concerning increase since then. Drunk driving deaths rose by 33% from 2019 to 2022, with over 13,000 deaths in 2021 and 2022. This highlights the urgent need for action to address this persistent public health crisis. Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) is advocating for aggressive measures, including implementing impaired driving prevention technology in all new vehicles, which could save thousands of lives annually.
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Alcohol-related diseases
Alcohol is one of the most consumed beverages in the world and is a leading contributor to global diseases. Alcohol misuse is a common problem, and alcohol addiction is one of the most common types of addiction. Alcohol's harmful effects on multiple organs and body systems contribute to more than 200 health conditions.
Cardiovascular Issues
Alcohol is a leading cause of cardiovascular issues, which account for 19% of alcohol-related deaths. Binge drinking is defined as four or more drinks for women or five or more drinks for men during an occasion. Heavy drinking is defined as eight or more drinks for women or 15 or more drinks for men during a week. Drinking excessive amounts of alcohol over time can lead to cardiovascular disease.
Liver Disease
Liver disease is a severe and common consequence of alcohol abuse. Since 90% of absorbed alcohol is metabolized in the liver, this organ is extensively exposed to alcohol and toxic alcohol metabolites. Alcohol-associated liver disease (ALD) is a growing cause of alcohol-related mortality in the US. ALD includes a range of alcohol-related liver injuries, including steatosis (fat accumulation), steatohepatitis (inflammation), fibrosis, and cirrhosis (scarring). Approximately 48,000 people died from liver cirrhosis in the US in 2019, with alcohol as a contributing factor in half of these cases.
Cancers
Alcohol is a known carcinogen, increasing the risk of numerous cancers in humans. It is the third-largest modifiable risk factor for cancer in women and the fourth-largest in men. More than 20,000 people die from alcohol-related cancers each year in the US. Breast cancer, for example, is linked to alcohol consumption, with even small amounts contributing to an increased risk.
Mental Health Conditions
Alcohol misuse can lead to mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety. It can also contribute to memory problems, including dementia, and relationship issues with family and friends.
Gastrointestinal Issues
Excessive alcohol consumption can severely interfere with the digestive system, negatively impacting the body's immune response. Potential alcohol-related medical complications involve the gastrointestinal (GI) system, including pancreatitis and GI bleeding.
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Alcohol and mental health
Alcohol is one of the most consumed beverages worldwide, with 2.3 billion drinkers globally as of 2018. It is also the most commonly used substance in America, with 138.3 million current users. Alcohol use is responsible for more than 93,000 deaths in the US each year, shortening the lives of those who die by an average of 29 years. Worldwide, the World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that the number of alcohol-related deaths per year is about 3 million, accounting for 5% of all global deaths.
Long-term alcohol misuse increases the risk of severe health conditions, including heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, liver disease, and cancer. It can also lead to social issues such as relationship problems, unemployment, financial troubles, and homelessness. These physical health and social problems can, in turn, adversely affect your mental health. Research shows that alcohol consumption is linked to a higher likelihood of developing mental health disorders.
Alcohol affects brain chemistry by altering the neurotransmitters GABA and glutamate. GABA has a calming effect on the brain and body, which is enhanced by alcohol. In contrast, glutamate stimulates the brain and body, but alcohol reduces its impact. Additionally, alcohol can decrease the absorption of essential vitamins and nutrients like thiamine and magnesium, which are necessary for proper brain function. Regular heavy drinking is associated with symptoms of depression and can increase the risk of self-harm and suicide.
If you are concerned about the impact of alcohol on your health or believe it may be interacting with your medication, it is advisable to consult your healthcare provider. Cutting down or quitting drinking can positively impact your mental health. Support groups, talking therapies, and psychological therapy are available to assist individuals in managing their alcohol consumption and improving their mental well-being.
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Alcohol-related chronic conditions
Alcohol consumption is a significant contributor to chronic diseases and conditions globally, and it is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality. Alcohol-related mortality is on the rise, and in the United States, alcohol consumption leads to over 178,000 deaths each year, with two-thirds of these deaths resulting from chronic heavy alcohol consumption.
Chronic conditions caused by alcohol consumption include various cancers, cardiovascular diseases, liver diseases, and other organ damage. Alcohol is a carcinogen and is associated with an increased risk of cancers of the oral cavity, pharynx, larynx, oesophagus, colon, rectum, liver, and female breast. Even drinking within the current US Dietary Guidelines can increase the risk of female breast cancer. Alcohol consumption is also a risk factor for cardiovascular diseases, with harmful effects on multiple organs and body systems, including the brain, gut, pancreas, lungs, cardiovascular system, and immune system.
Liver disease, in particular, has been identified as a significant cause of alcohol-related deaths. Research has shown that mortality from alcohol-associated liver disease has increased across most demographic groups in the US, with a notable surge in deaths among women and young people. Alcohol consumption can lead to liver cirrhosis, which is 100% attributable to alcohol, as well as other liver conditions.
Additionally, alcohol consumption can exacerbate existing chronic conditions and pain. Patients with chronic pain may self-medicate with alcohol, but prolonged alcohol use can increase pain sensitivity and interfere with pain management. Heavy drinking can also cause or worsen painful conditions such as injuries, neuropathies, and pancreatitis.
The harmful health effects of alcohol consumption are influenced by the overall volume of alcohol consumed, drinking patterns, and the quality of alcoholic beverages. The risks associated with alcohol consumption can be mitigated by reducing alcohol intake, with the message of "the less, the better" being emphasized by health experts. Strategies such as sticking to wine or beer for better control over ethanol consumption and avoiding cocktail mixers with added sugars can help reduce health risks.
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Alcohol use disorder (AUD)
Alcohol is the most commonly used substance in the United States, with 84% of people over 18 reporting lifetime use. Alcohol use exists along a spectrum from low-risk use to alcohol use disorder (AUD). AUD is a chronic brain disease that can be inherited and is characterised by a loss of control over the ability to drink moderately. This loss of control results in negative consequences that impact relationships, physical and mental health, and the ability to fulfil role obligations. AUD can be mild, moderate, or severe, depending on how many symptoms are present. Signs that someone may have AUD include drinking alcohol in the morning to get going, drinking alone or in secret, drinking to escape feelings, driving after drinking, and drinking while pregnant or caring for small children.
The prevalence of AUD in the United States is significant, with an estimated 14.5 million people aged 18 and older affected in 2019. A 2021 US government survey reports that 29.5 million people aged 12 and older had AUD in 2021, although only 7.6% of this population received treatment. This large treatment gap has devastating health and societal consequences. AUD is a treatable disease, and appropriate medications and behavioural therapies can help people recover. However, many people face barriers to accessing treatment, such as not being ready to stop drinking or experiencing cost barriers.
The consequences of AUD are far-reaching and impact both individuals and the healthcare system. AUD increases the risk of developing various health conditions, including certain types of cancer, liver disease, and heart disease. It also interferes with the management of other medical conditions and can worsen existing problems. Additionally, AUD contributes to over 200,000 hospitalisations and 7.4% of emergency room visits annually in the United States.
Excessive alcohol consumption can lead to serious organ damage and even death. Alcohol is responsible for more than 93,000 deaths in the United States each year, with an average loss of 29 years of life. These deaths are attributed to both chronic conditions and acute alcohol consumption, with motor vehicle accidents, violence, and self-harm being the most common causes. Globally, the World Health Organization estimates that alcohol contributes to approximately 3 million deaths per year, accounting for 5% of all deaths worldwide.
The COVID-19 pandemic and the resulting lockdown measures also had a significant impact on alcohol consumption in the United States. Online and in-store liquor sales surged during the initial weeks of quarantine, and overall alcohol sales in April 2020 were 234% higher than the previous year. Studies indicate that boredom and increased alcohol availability contributed to this rise in alcohol consumption.
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Frequently asked questions
More than 175,000 Americans die per year due to excessive drinking.
Alcohol is a depressant that affects the brain's chemistry, increasing the risk of depression. Long-term alcohol use can also cause a person to develop alcohol use disorder (AUD), which is a brain disease characterised by the inability to stop consuming alcohol.
Alcohol-related deaths are often the result of chronic long-term conditions such as liver disease, cancer, and heart conditions. Alcohol-impaired driving is also one of the most common causes of alcohol-related deaths, with an estimated 10,000 people dying each year in the US due to drunk driving accidents.
Alcohol is more harmful to younger drinkers, with drinking at a young age significantly increasing the risk of developing an AUD. Men are also significantly more likely to suffer chronic health conditions due to excessive alcohol consumption.
Alcohol remains one of the leading causes of preventable deaths in the US, with more people dying of alcohol-related causes than drug overdoses. However, it is important to note that alcohol and drug abuse often occur together, and substance abuse in general is a significant problem in the US.
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