Increased drinking during the pandemic has had a significant impact on our collective mortality, according to new research from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The study reveals that between 2020 and 2021, nearly 500 deaths a day could be attributed to excessive alcohol use, a significantly higher number compared to five years earlier.
Alcohol-related deaths in the U.S. have been on the rise even before the arrival of COVID-19 in early 2020. However, the pandemic exacerbated the situation, leading to a worsening of the problem. Previous research has indicated a surge in alcohol-related injuries and deaths, specifically those caused directly by alcohol, such as acute alcohol poisoning. However, until now, there hasn’t been clear data on the recent trend of all alcohol-related deaths, including those that are partially caused by alcohol, such as injuries and certain forms of cancer.
To address this gap in knowledge, the authors of the latest study analyzed U.S. mortality data from three different time periods: 2016 to 2017, 2018 to 2019, and 2020 to 2021. They focused on deaths caused by underlying acute and chronic conditions that could be linked to alcohol consumption, relying on CDC research for estimating the fraction of deaths attributed to alcohol for each of the 58 identified conditions.
The findings of the study indicate a concerning increase in alcohol-related deaths. From 2016 to 2017, there were an average of 137,927 annual deaths tied to excessive alcohol use, but from 2020 to 2021, that number rose to 178,307 deaths, equivalent to approximately 488 deaths per day. Although there was a slight increase in these deaths from 2016 to 2018, the early years of the pandemic witnessed a much larger relative increase, about 23% compared to 2018. Even after adjusting for age, the annual rate of alcohol-related deaths rose from 38 to 48 deaths per every 100,000 people between 2016 and 2021.
Historically, men have been more likely to die from alcohol-related causes than women, and this trend continued in 2021, with 119,606 deaths in men compared to 58,701 deaths in women. However, recent years have seen a faster increase in alcohol-related deaths among women, with a 35% rise since 2016, compared to a 27% increase among men.
The implications of these findings are significant, as they call for urgent action to address the rising trend of alcohol-related deaths. The authors of the study emphasize the need for evidence-based alcohol policies that can help reverse the increasing death rates attributed to alcohol. Examples of such policies include reducing the number and concentration of establishments selling alcohol and increasing alcohol taxes.
Looking beyond the study’s findings, it is essential to consider the potential future trends related to alcohol consumption. The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted various aspects of daily life, including social interactions, mental health, and economic stability. These disruptions likely contributed to the increased drinking observed during the pandemic. As society gradually returns to a new normal, it becomes crucial to analyze the potential long-term consequences of heightened alcohol consumption during this period.
One potential concern is the lingering effects of increased alcohol consumption on mortality rates. The prevalence of binge drinking among Americans in their thirties to fifties was higher in 2022 compared to any other time in the past decade. Even a short-term increase in drinking can lead to a significant number of alcohol-related deaths in the future. Therefore, continued monitoring and intervention strategies targeting excessive drinking are necessary to mitigate the potential long-term impacts.
Beyond the immediate health implications, the rise in alcohol-related deaths raises broader societal issues. It highlights the need for comprehensive support systems and interventions that address the root causes of excessive drinking, such as mental health challenges, social isolation, and economic disparities. Furthermore, it emphasizes the importance of prioritizing public health and implementing evidence-based policies to curb excessive alcohol use.
In conclusion, the CDC’s research provides valuable insights into the alarming increase in alcohol-related deaths during the COVID-19 pandemic. The data underscores the urgent need for effective alcohol policies that can reverse this concerning trend. As society moves forward, it is essential to learn from these findings and implement strategies to promote responsible drinking and support individuals struggling with alcohol use disorders. By addressing the underlying factors contributing to excessive alcohol consumption, we can work towards a healthier and safer future for all.