A significant increase in alcohol-related deaths has been documented in the United States, with the mortality rate nearly doubling over the past two decades. According to research conducted by the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), the rate of deaths linked to alcohol consumption rose sharply between 1999 and 2024. Notably, the most alarming rise occurred during the Covid-19 pandemic, highlighting a concerning trend that persists even as overall alcohol consumption has declined.
The findings, published in PLOS Global Health, reveal a staggering **89% increase** in alcohol-related deaths during the study period. Researchers analyzed data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), examining 14 different causes of death associated with alcohol use, including alcoholic liver disease and various forms of alcohol poisoning. The peak year for alcohol-related fatalities was **2021**, which recorded **54,258 deaths**.
Trends and Demographics of Alcohol-Related Deaths
While alcohol consumption has decreased among many Americans, the consequences for those who do drink have significantly worsened. The data indicates that although alcohol-related deaths dropped from their peak during the pandemic, they remain **25% higher** than in 2019. Researchers found that the leading cause of these deaths was alcoholic liver disease, followed by mental and behavioral conditions linked to alcohol misuse.
Interestingly, the study revealed demographic shifts in who is most affected by alcohol misuse. Historically, men have accounted for a larger share of alcohol-related deaths. However, the findings indicate a dramatic increase in mortality rates among women aged **25 to 34**, suggesting that the gender gap is narrowing. The ratio of male to female deaths in this demographic has decreased from **three-to-one** in 1999 to **two-to-one** in 2024.
The report also highlighted that American Indian and Alaskan Native populations are particularly at risk, prompting urgent calls for targeted intervention strategies. As senior study author **Maria R. D’Orsogna**, an adjunct associate professor in the Department of Computational Medicine at UCLA, stated, “The rapid rise of alcohol-induced deaths among women is particularly concerning. Although men still die at higher rates, the gender gap appears to be closing.”
Addressing the Public Health Crisis
The research underscores the need for comprehensive policies aimed at reducing excessive alcohol consumption and enhancing access to treatment options. The study’s authors emphasize that the statistics presented likely do not capture the full extent of alcohol’s impact on public health, as alcohol is known to exacerbate various chronic health conditions, including certain types of cancer.
The CDC estimates that over **178,000 deaths** in the U.S. each year are linked to excessive alcohol use. The upward trend in alcohol-induced mortality, along with its varying rates across different demographics, signals an urgent need for a deeper understanding of the socioeconomic factors driving excessive alcohol consumption.
As the researchers conclude, “More work needs to be done to figure out how best to prevent these deaths, particularly for males, youth, and the American Indian/Alaska Native population.” The findings present a stark reminder of the ongoing public health challenge posed by alcohol misuse in the United States, necessitating immediate action and thoughtful policy interventions.
