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

Alcohol can have very dangerous long-term effects on a person’s health if abused.
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.
The study’s findings reveal stark differences among demographic groups:
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.
The researchers attribute rising alcohol-related deaths to a combination of factors:
“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 study also contextualized U.S. trends within global alcohol consumption patterns. For example:
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.
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.
This article incorporates findings from The American Journal of Medicine and reporting from Florida Atlantic University.