Alcohol Related Deaths On The Rise In The United States

From the prohibition in the 1920s to being accessible on most street corners, alcohol has a history of being polarizing–and still is! In recent news, alcohol has been increasingly responsible for deaths in the US according to a study done by the JAMA Network. Researchers believe if these trends continue, we could be facing an urgent public health crisis.

Alcohol-Related Death Study

The study originally was done between 2000-2016. A total of 425,045 alcohol-induced deaths were identified. Of the total deaths, the percentage of men was substantially higher compared to women. The study also found increases in alcohol-related death rates across age and racial/ethnic subgroups of the US population, which have accelerated over recent years. The study linked big picture indicators, including traffic collisions and cancer, that cannot be clearly classified as being caused by liquor. It also examined drinking trends while also comparing results by demographic characteristics including sex, race/ethnicity, age, county-level socioeconomic status (SES), and geographic location.

Variables In The Study

One important variable of the study is how they defined alcohol-induced deaths (by definition, due to alcohol consumption and could be avoided if alcohol were not involved). The study also used the International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems to classify death. The study’s demographics were attributed to death certificates as originally recorded by funeral directors.

Risk Of Drinking

Drinking has become a cultural norm. Whether it’s the holidays, a night out on the town, even after a long day, it’s very easy for someone to become dependent on alcohol. Liquor comes with risks. From injuries, diseases, to alcohol poisoning, each time you drink, you take on the ability for these things to happen. The long term health risk is also notable. Avid drinkers have high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, & liver problem risk. Cancer rates are higher as well as memory problems, mental illness, as well as addiction.

With drinking, it’s important to know your limit as well as the risks. If you or someone you know might be suffering, you can visit the https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/national-helpline or give them a call at 1800-662-4357.