Growing public health crisis
Researchers are now calling for routine alcohol screenings in primary care and better access to treatment for substance use disorders to address the growing public health crisis. FAU Schmidt College of Medicine professor of medicine Charles H. Hennekens stated, “Health care providers and their patients should be aware that in the U.S. as well as most populations throughout the world, individuals who consume moderate to large amounts of alcohol have the highest risks of premature mortality and morbidity.” Join us in this slideshow as we take a look at some of the facts surrounding alcohol-related deaths in America.
Man purchasing wine in a store
Causes of Alcohol-Related Deaths – Hennekens said, “The main causes of alcohol-related death were cardiovascular disease — primarily due to heart attacks and strokes — as well as certain ‘common and serious cancers’ as well as cirrhosis of the liver.”
Partygoers wait for refills
Hospitalizations from Alcohol Use – Hennekens added, “Chronic, heavy alcohol consumption is also a major contributor to hospitalizations in state facilities due to a variety of deleterious outcomes, including alcoholic cirrhosis and alcoholic dementia.”
Up close details of a poured beverage
Screening for Alcohol Use – Hennekens said, “To mitigate these risks, screening for alcohol use in primary care settings is essential.”
Bar patrons and empty beer glasses
Deaths Among Young Adults and Women – Deaths among people aged 25-34 quadrupled, while women saw the largest proportional rise, with rates increasing from 4.8 to 12 per 100,000 during the period.
Patrons outside a local pub
Health Risks of Alcohol Use – Chronic alcohol use is tied to heart disease, strokes, liver damage, and cancers. Obesity and diabetes further increase the risks of alcohol-related mortality.
Top shelf alcohol on display
Alcohol Consumption Guidelines – The U.S. Dietary Guidelines recommend no more than one drink daily for women and those over 65, and no more than two drinks daily for men to avoid severe health risks.
Friends celebrate the holidays
Impact of Alcohol Amounts – Hennekens said, “The difference between drinking small and moderate to large amounts of alcohol may mean a large difference between preventing and causing premature deaths.”
Three friends cheers their beers
Harmful Effects of Excessive Drinking – Dr. Ken Spielvogel, senior medical advisor for Carrara Treatment Wellness & Spa in Los Angeles, said, “Anything more than one drink per day for women and two drinks per day for men can have ‘dramatic harmful effects,’ especially when combined with obesity and other co-morbidities.”
Customer considers their options for beer
Rising Alcohol Use Among Women – Experts link rising alcohol use among women to societal shifts, targeted marketing, and the pandemic, which accelerated consumption and related health consequences.
Foam overflowing from a crisp pint
Women and Alcohol Use Disorder – Dr. Adam Scioli, chief medical officer at Caron Treatment Centers in Pennsylvania, said, “Women progress more rapidly to developing alcohol use disorder and its associated health consequences.”
Customer shops for alcohol
Rising Alcohol-Related Deaths – Alcohol-related deaths in the U.S. nearly doubled from 1999 to 2020, rising from 10.7 to 21.6 per 100,000 people, with young adults seeing the sharpest increases.
Two alcoholic drinks rest in the sunshine
Clinical Observations on Alcohol Use – Scioli added, “These findings are consistent with what we’ve been seeing clinically for the last decade – increases in severe diseases and co-morbidities related to alcohol use.”
Beer bottles wait in cold refrigerators for consumers
Biological Vulnerability in Women – Scioli said, “Because women have less alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) activity – an enzyme in the stomach and liver that helps break down alcohol – women are more vulnerable to the effects of alcohol on the liver, heart and brain.”
Woman enjoys a glass of wine with friends
Normalizing Sobriety – Scioli concluded, “Finally, we need to normalize sobriety and provide greater support to people who don’t drink alcohol.”