Alcohol abuse stats offer shocking insights into the effects of a commonly used social lubricant. A glass of wine or bottle of beer is often enjoyed after a day of work, but alcohol abuse affects millions every year. With social, legal, health and economic problems related to the overconsumption of alcohol, it’s important to understand alcohol abuse facts and identify when use becomes abuse.
Learn about how consumption patterns and demographic information surrounding alcohol abuse might be able to give you a look at how it’s affecting your community, family and friends. Let’s take a closer look at alcohol abuse trends, related statistics and the broader effects on public health.
Overview of Alcohol Use Trends: National and Global Perspectives
Globally, alcohol is the only psychoactive substance that’s legal, readily available and often seen as a right of passage. The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that more than 3 million deaths each year are linked to harmful alcohol use, accounting for 5.3% of all deaths. In the United States, alcohol use was relatively steady for decades, until 2019-2021, when a drinking surge brought the average per capita consumption back up to 2.51 gallons, higher than it’s been since 1990.
While even this increase hasn’t neared the all-time high of 2.75 gallons in 1980, it does highlight increasing patterns of abuse. Approximately 85.6% of people over age 18 have sampled alcohol at least once, and around 25.8% of adults reported engaging in binge drinking within 30 days of the survey, according to a National Survey on Drug Use and Health. This behavior reflects a growing trend toward heavy and episodic drinking, particularly among younger adults.
Alcohol Abuse Stats and Mortality Rate
The impacts of alcohol abuse are seen in staggering statistics on alcohol-related health conditions, injuries and fatalities. In the United States, around 95,000 people die annually from alcohol-related causes such as liver disease, cardiovascular problems, car accidents and overdose, making it the third-leading preventable cause of death in the country, according to alcohol addiction statistics collected by the National Center for Drug Abuse Statistics.
The Center also reports that alcohol poisoning causes over 2,200 deaths annually in the United States. In addition to the increased risk of mortality, chronic alcohol abuse also contributes to rates of liver cirrhosis, digestive disorders and various cancers.
Demographics Most Affected by Alcohol Abuse
Alcohol abuse doesn’t affect all groups equally. A complex mix of factors, including genetics, environment, socioeconomic status and mental health, can affect your level of risk. Here’s an overview of some key demographics affected by alcohol abuse:
- New adults (18-25): This group has some of the highest rates of binge drinking, with nearly 33% of new adults engaging in binge drinking monthly. College students are particularly vulnerable due to social pressures and easy access to alcohol, with many seniors newly of drinking age.
- Older adults (65+): Alcohol abuse among older adults is also growing. Approximately 12% of people over 65 currently engage in binge drinking, which raises serious concerns due to the likely risks of preexisting health conditions.
Correlation Between Alcohol and Other Drug Use
Alcohol is often used as a social lubricant and lowers inhibitions. At parties where drinking is common, drug use is also more common. Combining alcohol with other depressants, such as opioids, is an especially high-risk activity. These substances, when mixed, can lead to respiratory depression and a heightened risk of overdose. New adults are at particular risk, often combining alcohol with marijuana, prescription medications and stimulants.
Impact on Public Health, Economic Costs and Communities
Alcohol abuse stats demonstrate that the cost of overconsumption is something we all pay for. The CDC estimates that excessive drinking costs the United States at least $249 billion annually, according to data from 2010, the most recent information available. Much of that cost is related to health care expenses, lost productivity, criminal justice and motor vehicle accidents.
For instance, motor vehicle accidents related to alcohol are a leading cause of death among teens and young adults, with nearly 10,000 alcohol-related car accident fatalities each year.
When to Seek Help for Alcohol Abuse
Recognizing the signs of alcohol abuse and taking action early can make a difference. If you or someone you know is experiencing challenges with alcohol, don’t wait to seek help. The sooner you connect with support, the better the chances for recovery.
If you’re ready to take the first step toward recovery, reach out to the National Rehab Hotline for confidential advice and resources tailored to your needs. Help is available — put down the bottle and take a step toward a brighter future.