Theo Nash
Alcohol-related deaths have been a significant concern worldwide, with an estimated annual toll of over 3 million lives lost due to alcohol and drug use combined. This issue disproportionately affects men, who make up the majority of these tragic deaths. Alcohol consumption is a leading preventable cause of death, and its impact extends beyond the individual, taking a heavy toll on families and communities. In the United States alone, the annual number of deaths attributed to excessive alcohol use increased by 29.3% from 2016-2017 to 2020-2021, with about 178,000 deaths each year. Alcohol-induced conditions, such as liver disease, cardiovascular diseases, and cancers, contribute to the high number of fatalities. The COVID-19 pandemic also played a role in the rising death rates, with increased stress, social isolation, and challenges in accessing healthcare.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of alcohol-related deaths in the US annually | 178,000 (2020-2021); 105,415 (2022) |
| Number of alcohol-related deaths worldwide annually | Over 3 million |
| Average annual increase in number of alcohol-related deaths (2016-2021) | 29.3% |
| Average annual increase in number of alcohol-related deaths (2012-2022) | 70% |
| Average annual number of alcohol-related emergency department visits | 210,000 |
| Percentage of alcohol-related emergency department visits in 2020 | 7.1% |
| Percentage of opioid overdose deaths in 2020 with alcohol as a factor | 17.4% |
| Number of alcohol-related deaths among young people (under 21) | 4,000 |
| Number of drunk driving deaths in the US annually | 13,524 (2022) |
| Number of homicides with alcohol as a contributing factor annually | 7,334 |
| Number of people who die from alcoholic liver disease annually | 18,164 |
| Number of people who die from hypertension brought on by alcohol consumption annually | 3,584 |
| Number of people who die from nervous system degeneration from alcohol consumption annually | 145 |
| Number of people who die from hypothermia while drinking annually | 296 |
| Number of people who die from occupational and machine injuries while drinking annually | 126 |
| Number of people who die from firearm injuries while drinking annually | 129 |
| States with the highest and lowest alcohol-related death rates in 2022 | New Mexico (42.7 per 100,000); Hawaii (7.1 per 100,000) |
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What You'll Learn
Alcohol-related deaths increased during the pandemic
Alcohol-related deaths have been on the rise in the past two decades, with a notable surge during the COVID-19 pandemic. In the United States, the average annual number of deaths from excessive alcohol use increased by 29.3% from 2016-2017 (137,927) to 2020-2021 (178,307). This increase is even more pronounced when considering deaths among individuals aged 16 and older, with a 25.5% jump in alcohol-related deaths between 2019 (78,927) and 2020 (99,017). The upward trend continued into the second year of the pandemic, with a further 10% increase in alcohol-related deaths in 2021 (108,791).
Several factors may have contributed to the rise in alcohol-related deaths during the pandemic. One key factor is the increase in alcohol consumption. In 2020, alcohol sales in the United States rose by 2.9%, the largest annual increase in over 50 years. The pandemic brought unprecedented stress and anxiety, and some individuals may have turned to alcohol as a coping mechanism, especially those with pre-existing mental health struggles or a history of alcohol misuse. This increase in consumption led to a rise in alcohol-related harms, such as liver disease and alcohol withdrawal.
Alcohol-related deaths disproportionately affect men. In the United States, approximately 120,000 men die from alcohol-related causes each year, compared to 59,000 women. This gender disparity is also evident in Canada, where excess alcohol-related deaths increased by 17% for both men and women during the pandemic, but hospitalizations were nearly three times higher for women. The higher hospitalization rate among women may be an early indicator of future liver-related issues and underscores the need for timely interventions to prevent high-risk drinking behaviours from progressing into more severe health problems.
The increase in alcohol-related deaths during the pandemic is not limited to the United States and Canada. Europe also experienced an 18% rise in alcohol-related deaths. This global trend highlights the pervasive impact of the pandemic on mental health and underscores the importance of addressing alcohol-related harms through comprehensive strategies that involve public health initiatives, alcohol policy reforms, and enhanced health services.
Alcohol-related deaths encompass a range of causes, including chronic conditions such as liver disease, cardiovascular disease, and various types of cancer. Alcohol poisoning, which occurs when high levels of alcohol shut down critical areas of the brain, is another significant contributor to alcohol-related deaths, particularly among middle-aged men. To curb the rising tide of alcohol-related fatalities, evidence-based policies such as reducing the availability of alcohol and increasing taxes on alcoholic beverages may be necessary.
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Alcohol is a leading cause of preventable death
Alcohol-related deaths have been on the rise in recent years, with a 29.3% increase in the average annual number of deaths from 2016-2017 to 2020-2021. The COVID-19 pandemic appears to have played a role in this increase, with alcohol-related deaths rising sharply during this period. Additionally, alcohol-induced conditions were a contributing factor in an additional 27,000 deaths.
Alcohol is a significant factor in many types of injuries and accidents, including traffic crashes, which contribute to a large number of alcohol-related deaths. Approximately 28-30 people lose their lives every day in drunk driving accidents in the United States, accounting for 28% of all overall driving fatalities. Alcohol is also a contributing factor in nearly half of all suicides, with alcohol use disorder being the second most common mental disorder among people who die by suicide.
The impact of alcohol consumption is not limited to physical health; it also increases the risk of mental health conditions and contributes to social issues such as accidents, injuries, and violence. Alcohol-related homicides are also prevalent, with alcohol being a factor in 7,334 homicides annually in the United States. Furthermore, alcohol can negatively impact families and communities, as stated by Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General.
To address the harmful effects of alcohol consumption and reduce alcohol-related deaths, public health policies should focus on making it easier for individuals to choose to drink less. This includes implementing proven policies such as reducing the number of places selling alcohol, increasing alcohol taxes, and improving access to treatment for substance use disorders. By taking comprehensive action, we can work towards building a healthier and more equitable society.
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Alcohol-related chronic conditions
Alcohol consumption is a significant contributor to the burden of chronic diseases and conditions globally. It is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality, with about 178,000 deaths in the US each year attributed to excessive alcohol use. The average annual number of deaths from excessive alcohol use increased by 29.3% from 2016-2017 to 2020-2021, with age-standardized alcohol-related death rates increasing from 38.1 to 47.6 per 100,000 people.
Chronic conditions that are caused or exacerbated by alcohol consumption include:
- Liver diseases, such as alcoholic liver disease, unspecified liver cirrhosis, and chronic hepatitis. Liver disease is the leading cause of alcohol-related deaths, with nearly all categories of health failure due to excessive alcohol consumption occurring via the liver.
- Cardiovascular diseases, including hypertension, atrial fibrillation, and ischemic heart disease. Alcohol consumption is a risk factor for cardiovascular diseases and can increase the risk of hypertension even at low levels of consumption.
- Cancers of various types, including organs of the upper respiratory and digestive tracts, liver, colon, and breast. Alcohol is a carcinogen associated with an increased risk of cancer in the oral cavity, pharynx, larynx, esophagus, colon, rectum, liver, and female breast. The risk of breast cancer increases with less than one drink per day.
- Neuropsychiatric conditions, including seizures and epilepsy. Alcohol withdrawal can cause potentially life-threatening symptoms, with approximately 850 deaths in the US each year attributed to alcohol withdrawal.
- Pancreatitis, including acute and chronic pancreatitis.
- Diabetes, with alcohol having both beneficial and detrimental impacts depending on the overall volume consumed.
- Digestive diseases, including GI bleeding.
- Ischemic stroke, with alcohol having both beneficial and detrimental impacts depending on consumption patterns.
The overall volume of alcohol consumption and drinking patterns are key factors in the development of alcohol-related chronic diseases. The quality of alcoholic beverages consumed may also influence mortality and morbidity from these chronic conditions. Heavy drinking over a long period can lead to a vicious cycle of self-medication, exacerbating pain sensitivity and interfering with pain management.
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Alcohol poisoning
Alcohol is one of the leading preventable causes of death in the United States, with an estimated 178,000 deaths attributable to excessive alcohol use annually. Alcohol-related deaths have increased by 29% in the last two decades, with 119,606 deaths among males and 58,701 among females.
Symptoms of alcohol poisoning include:
- Pale or blue-tinged skin
- Slow or irregular breathing
- Dehydration and electrolyte imbalances
- Dangerously slow heart rate
If you suspect someone is experiencing alcohol poisoning, do not drive them to the hospital yourself. Instead, call for emergency medical assistance immediately. While waiting for help, follow these steps:
- Sit them up if they're awake, or put them in the recovery position if they're unconscious
- Check their breathing
- Do not give them caffeine, as it can worsen dehydration
- Do not put them in a cold shower or bath, as they may lose consciousness and drown
In a hospital setting, treatment for alcohol poisoning may include:
- Administering oxygen to support breathing
- Providing IV fluids to combat dehydration and stabilize electrolytes
- Monitoring heart rate and vital signs
- Performing blood tests to check alcohol levels, glucose levels, and potential drug interactions
- Intubating if necessary to protect the airway
- Managing complications such as seizures or cardiac irregularities
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Alcohol-related injuries
One of the most prominent alcohol-related injuries is road traffic accidents, including drunk driving. In the UK, an estimated 6,480 people were killed or injured in drink-driving incidents in 2020. Drunk driving fatalities have been on a decline since 1991 in the United States, with the lowest point reached in 2019. However, drunk driving still accounts for approximately 28% of overall driving fatalities, resulting in the loss of lives for both drivers and those under the age of 21.
Falls are another common type of alcohol-related injury. Alcohol impairs balance and coordination, increasing the likelihood of falling. This is particularly concerning for older adults, who may suffer more severe consequences from falls.
Alcohol also increases the risk of drowning. Impaired judgement and slowed reactions due to alcohol consumption can lead individuals to underestimate the dangers associated with bodies of water.
Poisoning is a further concern when it comes to alcohol-related injuries. Alcohol poisoning occurs when high levels of alcohol shut down critical areas of the brain responsible for vital functions like breathing and heart rate. It is most prevalent among middle-aged men and predominantly affects individuals of White ethnicity.
In addition to these common injuries, alcohol consumption can lead to head injuries, fractures, facial injuries, and scarring. It is important to note that these injuries can occur in various contexts, such as accidents at home, work, or during recreational activities.
To mitigate the risk of alcohol-related injuries, individuals can take several precautions. These include adhering to low-risk drinking guidelines, avoiding binge drinking, planning ahead, and limiting alcohol intake. Additionally, choosing low or no-alcohol alternatives, following medical advice, and being mindful of potential interactions with medications are also effective strategies to reduce the likelihood of alcohol-related harm.
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Frequently asked questions
Over 3 million people die annually due to alcohol and drug use.
The average annual number of alcohol-related deaths in the US increased by 29.3% from 2016-2017 to 2020-2021, rising from 137,927 to 178,307.
Alcohol-related deaths can be caused by injuries, such as traffic crashes, self-harm, and interpersonal violence. They can also be caused by chronic conditions such as liver disease, cardiovascular diseases, and cancers of various types.
