Alarming Statistics: Impact of Excessive Alcohol Consumption on Daily Mortality Rates Revealed by CDC

While dry January and damp lifestyles have taken off on TikTok, the United States has already experienced a spike in deaths related to excessive alcohol.

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In 2020-21, during the peak of the Covid-19 pandemic, an average of approximately 488 deaths per day were attributed to excessive alcohol consumption, as reported by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. This highlights alcohol as a major contributor to preventable deaths.

The report published on Thursday revealed that the average number of deaths linked to excessive alcohol consumption increased by more than 29% from 2016-17 to 2020-21. In 2016-2017, there were 137,927 alcohol-related deaths, while in 2020-2021, the number rose to 178,307.

A study conducted by researchers from the CDC and the Canadian Institute for Substance Use Research identified a total of 58 causes of death directly or indirectly related to excessive alcohol consumption. Excessive drinking can result in fatalities directly attributed to alcohol, such as alcoholic liver disease, alcohol poisoning, suicide due to excessive alcohol consumption, accidents, and fetal alcohol syndrome. Additionally, deaths can also be partially linked to excessive alcohol use, including chronic hepatitis, certain cancers, heart disease, and stroke.

Travis Milliken is seen pouring a pint of the Intermission NA IPA at Foundation Brewing Company in Portland, ME on January 8, 2023. The brewery recently introduced their first non-alcoholic beer, exclusively available on tap at their tasting room since the beginning of the year.

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The rise in deaths linked to heavy alcohol consumption has been concerning across all age groups. While there were more alcohol-related deaths among men, the increase was more significant for women. From 2016-17 to 2020-21, excessive alcohol use-related deaths among women increased by about 35%, with the highest rates of death attributed to heart disease and stroke. Among men, excessive drinking-related deaths saw an increase of nearly 27% during the same time frame, with a majority of these deaths stemming from chronic conditions caused by alcohol.

The CDC reported that the rise in deaths related to excessive drinking is a continuous trend, not just a one-time occurrence. Over the last twenty years, the number of deaths linked to excessive alcohol consumption has been on the rise in the United States.

Recent studies have shown that there was an increase in alcohol purchases, especially hard liquor and wine, at the beginning of the pandemic. Research also indicates that binge drinking among adults aged 35 to 50 in 2022 was at its highest level in the past decade.

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The new report highlights that the pandemic-era policies which permitted alcohol deliveries and carryout drinks contributed to increased access to alcohol. Additionally, some individuals may have postponed seeking medical assistance from healthcare professionals out of concern for contracting Covid.

According to the report, factors such as stress, loneliness, social isolation, and mental health issues could have also played a role in the rise of deaths related to excessive alcohol consumption during the Covid-19 pandemic.

The authors recommend that states should consider implementing policies to limit access to alcohol and increase its price, such as raising taxes on alcohol.

Dr. Marissa B. Esser, a study author from CDC's National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention, stated, "There is substantial evidence on effective strategies to prevent excessive drinking and reduce alcohol-related harm. However, these proven strategies are often not fully utilized in the US. By reducing the availability of alcohol through limiting the number of places that sell it or spacing out alcohol outlets, we can create environments that encourage people to drink less."

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The new study primarily looked at the effects of drinking too much alcohol, but it did not cover the potential risks associated with any amount of alcohol consumption. Some research has indicated that even moderate drinking can have negative effects on health. The CDC offers an online tool that individuals can use to evaluate their own alcohol intake.

For those who do decide to drink, it is recommended by the US Dietary Guidelines that men should not exceed two drinks per day and women should limit themselves to no more than one drink per day.

“That’s to lower the risk of health harms,” Esser said. “Although there is emerging evidence of additional harms that can occur at lower levels of drinking as well.”

Editor's P/S:

The alarming surge in alcohol-related deaths in the United States is a sobering reminder of the devastating consequences of excessive alcohol consumption. The pandemic has exacerbated this problem, highlighting the need for urgent action. It is imperative that we address the underlying factors contributing to this crisis, including stress, loneliness, and mental health issues. By implementing policies that limit alcohol availability and increase its price, we can create environments that discourage excessive drinking and promote healthier lifestyles.

Furthermore, it is crucial to raise awareness about the risks associated with alcohol use, even at moderate levels. The CDC's online tool provides a valuable resource for individuals to assess their alcohol intake and make informed decisions. By empowering people with knowledge and resources, we can help reduce the number of alcohol-related deaths and improve the overall health and well-being of our communities.