Deaths from Excessive Alcohol Use are on the Rise
A recent study released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) uncovered a troubling spike in annual deaths attributed to excessive alcohol use in the US. The numbers reveal a stark 29% increase, jumping from roughly 138,000 deaths per year during 2016–2017 to a concerning 178,000 deaths annually during 2020–2021.
Researchers scrutinized 58 causes of alcohol-related deaths, ranging from conditions directly linked to alcohol abuse like alcoholic liver disease to those partially influenced by excessive alcohol consumption such as injuries and specific cancers. To explore the health impacts of excessive alcohol use by state, use the CDC’s Alcohol-Related Disease Impact (ARDI) Application: https://nccd.cdc.gov/DPH_ARDI/Default/Default.aspx.
These figures paint a grim picture — 178,000 lives lost each year due to excessive alcohol use, translating to 488 deaths per day, many of which could have been prevented.
Addressing this crisis demands collective action. Effective alcohol policies and community-driven initiatives are essential in supporting individuals and curbing the prevalence of excessive alcohol use.
By raising awareness about the risks associated with excessive alcohol consumption, providing accessible resources for those struggling with alcohol dependency, and implementing evidence-based alcohol policies, we can create safer and healthier communities.
Healthy Acadia works to support people of all ages to live lives free of substance misuse and substance use disorder, and to support individuals throughout their recovery journey. Click here for resources and more information.
Additional resources for assessing your drinking patterns and tools to help you reduce your alcohol use: