U.S. Alcohol-Related Deaths Nearly Double from 1999 to 2024, Study Finds
Alcohol-induced deaths in the U.S. have nearly doubled from 1999 to 2024, with significant increases during the COVID-19 pandemic, especially among young women and Native American populations.
A comprehensive analysis of alcohol-induced mortality across the United States reveals a concerning trend: deaths linked to alcohol nearly doubled between 1999 and 2024. The study, which evaluated data based on race, sex, age, and geographic location, indicates a sharp escalation in alcohol-related fatalities, especially at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. The highest death toll was recorded in 2021, with over 54,000 deaths attributed to alcohol abuse. Although rates decreased slightly by 2024, they remained approximately 25% higher than pre-pandemic levels.
The investigation highlights significant demographic disparities. Men generally experience higher rates of alcohol-induced death, but the largest increase over the studied period occurred among women aged 25–34, with a remarkable 255% rise—from 0.9 to 3.2 deaths per 100,000 people. Similarly, males in the same age group saw an increase from 2.3 to 6.5 deaths per 100,000, a 188% jump.
Most deaths were due to alcoholic liver disease and, to a lesser extent, mental and behavioral disorders related to alcohol use. The American Indian/Alaska Native populations faced the highest mortality rates, with male AIAN rates three times higher than white males, and female AIAN rates four times higher than white females. The gender gap is narrowing, with the mortality ratio among 25–34-year-olds decreasing from three-to-one to two-to-one over the years.
The pandemic period saw a significant surge in alcohol-related deaths, with AIAN males experiencing increases of up to 40% in some months. Similar trends were observed among Black females, with more than a 30% rise in a single month. These findings underscore the urgent need for targeted policies to reduce excessive alcohol consumption and increase access to treatment services.
While this study focused on specific alcohol-related causes, it did not encompass all alcohol-related chronic diseases such as certain cancers or heart disease, suggesting that the actual impact might be underestimated. Experts emphasize that addressing these alarming trends requires comprehensive public health strategies.
Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-09-analysis-alcohol-deaths.html
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