US alcohol-related deaths more than double over past 20 years

LOS ANGELES - A Florida Atlantic University study has found that alcohol-related deaths in the United States rose significantly between 1999 and 2020, nearly doubling from 10.7 to 21.6 per 100,000 people. Over the same period, the total number of deaths increased from 19,356 to 48,870.

The study, published in The American Journal of Medicine, highlights concerning trends across age groups, genders, and demographics, as well as the critical role of factors like obesity, diabetes, and mental health in worsening alcohol-related risks.

Who is most affected by alcohol-related deaths?

The study’s findings reveal stark differences among demographic groups:

• Young adults (25–34): Deaths in this age group increased nearly fourfold.
• Middle-aged adults (55–64): This group experienced the highest death rates overall.
• Women: Although men had higher death rates, women saw the largest relative increase, with rates rising from 4.8 to 12 per 100,000 people.
• Asian and Pacific Islander communities: These groups experienced the steepest increases in death rates compared to other racial and ethnic groups.
• Regional trends: The Midwest recorded the sharpest increase in deaths.

Researchers noted that women may be more vulnerable to alcohol’s effects due to differences in body composition and metabolism. They also pointed to societal changes and targeted alcohol marketing as factors driving increased alcohol consumption among women.

Why are alcohol deaths rising?

The researchers attribute rising alcohol-related deaths to a combination of factors:

• Health conditions: Obesity and diabetes can exacerbate liver damage caused by alcohol.
• Mental health: Increased alcohol use is linked to stress, depression, and other mental health challenges.
• Social trends: Changes in societal norms and increased accessibility of alcohol have contributed to higher consumption, especially among women.

"Both globally and in the U.S., high levels of alcohol consumption are closely linked to premature deaths and disability," said Dr. Charles H. Hennekens, a senior author of the study.

FILE - A man drinks a beer at a local bar. 

The global perspective on alcohol and health

The study also contextualized U.S. trends within global alcohol consumption patterns. For example:

• Latvia had the highest per capita annual alcohol consumption in 2019 (13.2 liters) and ranks third globally in total deaths from alcohol-related causes.
• France, despite high consumption levels, has low cardiovascular mortality but high rates of cirrhosis and liver cancer.
• Russia shows a strong link between alcohol use and cardiovascular mortality, especially among men.

These examples illustrate the nuanced relationship between alcohol consumption and premature deaths, with outcomes varying based on consumption patterns, public health infrastructure, and other factors.

What can be done to address alcohol-related deaths?

Health care providers are encouraged to screen for alcohol use and address coexisting conditions like obesity and mental health to mitigate the effects of excessive drinking.

"The difference between consuming small amounts of alcohol daily and larger amounts could be the difference between preventing and causing premature death," Dr. Hennekens said.

Public health experts are calling for targeted interventions to reduce alcohol-related deaths, including education on safe drinking practices, support for mental health, and policies to reduce excessive alcohol consumption.