What Is The Mortality Rate Of Alcoholism?

Unlocking the truth: What is the mortality rate of alcoholism? Explore the impact of alcohol on health and the risks it poses.

July 2, 2024

Understanding Alcohol-Related Mortality

Alcohol-related mortality is a significant concern that impacts individuals and societies worldwide. By exploring alcohol-attributable deaths statistics and the factors contributing to alcohol-related mortality, we can gain a better understanding of this issue.

Alcohol-Attributable Deaths Statistics

Alcohol misuse is the fourth leading preventable cause of death in the United States, resulting in an average of 88,000 deaths each year NIAAA. Excessive alcohol use has been associated with a range of health problems, including liver disease, cancer, and cardiovascular conditions.

Globally, alcohol-attributable deaths are more prevalent among men, accounting for 7.7% of all male deaths, compared to 2.6% of all female deaths WHO. The per capita alcohol consumption in 2016 was approximately 19.4 liters of pure alcohol for males and 7.0 liters for females.

In the United States, there has been a concerning increase in alcohol-related deaths. Approximately 178,000 people die from excessive alcohol use each year, averaging around 488 deaths per day during 2020-2021, showing a 29% increase from 2016-2017 CDC. These statistics highlight the urgent need to address the consequences of excessive alcohol consumption and its impact on mortality rates.

Alcohol-Related Mortality Factors

Several factors contribute to alcohol-related mortality. Excessive alcohol consumption can lead to chronic health consequences, such as liver disease, cardiovascular problems, and various types of cancer. These conditions can significantly impact an individual's overall health and increase the risk of premature death.

Acute health consequences, such as alcohol poisoning and injuries resulting from accidents or violence, also contribute to alcohol-related mortality. The impairment caused by alcohol can lead to risky behaviors, impaired judgment, and an increased likelihood of accidents or fatal incidents.

Alcohol use disorders, including alcohol dependence and alcohol abuse, can further exacerbate the risk of mortality. These disorders often involve a pattern of heavy and prolonged alcohol consumption, leading to both physical and psychological health complications.

Understanding the impact of alcohol on health and the specific diseases associated with alcohol consumption is crucial in addressing alcohol-related mortality. By implementing effective prevention strategies, raising awareness, and providing support and treatment options, we can strive to reduce the mortality rates associated with alcohol misuse.

Impact of Alcohol on Health

Alcohol consumption can have significant consequences on an individual's health, both in the short term and long term. Understanding the impact of alcohol on health is crucial for recognizing the risks associated with excessive drinking. This section will explore the chronic health consequences, acute health consequences, and alcohol use disorders that can arise from alcohol consumption.

Chronic Health Consequences

Alcohol use is linked to various chronic health conditions, extending beyond cardiovascular disease (CVD) and cancer. Neuropsychiatric and digestive diseases are notable examples. Alcohol use disorders, such as alcohol dependence and alcohol abuse, are directly caused by alcohol consumption and contribute to a significant burden of disease, both in the United States and worldwide [1].

Depression is another health condition associated with alcohol use. Excessive alcohol consumption can lead to depressive symptoms and exacerbate existing mental health disorders. It is essential to recognize the potential impact of alcohol on mental well-being and seek appropriate support if needed.

Acute Health Consequences

Alcohol use has been consistently associated with an increased risk of injuries in various situations, including motor vehicle crashes, falls, fires, interpersonal violence, and self-inflicted injuries. The presence of alcohol in the body at the time of injury may also be linked to greater injury severity and less positive outcomes.

These acute health consequences highlight the immediate dangers of excessive alcohol consumption. Engaging in risky behaviors, impaired judgment, and decreased coordination due to alcohol can lead to accidents and injuries that have lasting impacts on an individual's well-being.

Alcohol Use Disorders

Alcohol use disorders (AUDs) encompass a range of conditions related to problem drinking. They include alcohol dependence, commonly known as alcoholism, and alcohol abuse. AUDs are characterized by an inability to control or stop drinking despite negative consequences.

These disorders contribute significantly to the burden of disease associated with alcohol use. Individuals with AUDs often experience physical and psychological dependence on alcohol, leading to detrimental effects on their health, relationships, and overall quality of life. Seeking professional help and support is crucial for those struggling with AUDs to address the underlying issues and achieve recovery.

Understanding the chronic and acute health consequences of alcohol consumption, along with the risk of alcohol use disorders, is vital for individuals to make informed decisions about their alcohol intake. Recognizing the potential risks and seeking appropriate support can help mitigate the health impacts of excessive alcohol consumption.

Alcohol and Specific Diseases

Alcohol consumption can have severe consequences on health, leading to various diseases and conditions. In this section, we will explore three specific diseases that are closely associated with alcohol consumption: alcohol-attributable cancer, alcohol-attributable liver cirrhosis, and alcohol-attributable injuries.

Alcohol-Attributable Cancer

Alcohol consumption is a significant contributor to the development of cancer. In 2010 alone, alcohol-attributable cancer caused 337,400 deaths worldwide, accounting for 4.2 percent of all cancer deaths that year [2]. This included 91,500 deaths among women and 245,900 deaths among men. Furthermore, it resulted in 8,460,000 potential years of life lost (PYLL), with 2,143,000 PYLL among women and 6,317,000 PYLL among men.

Alcohol-Attributable Liver Cirrhosis

Excessive alcohol consumption is a leading cause of liver cirrhosis, a serious liver disease. In 2010, alcohol-attributable liver cirrhosis was responsible for 493,300 deaths globally, accounting for 47.9 percent of all liver cirrhosis deaths that year. This included 156,900 deaths among women and 336,400 deaths among men. Additionally, it resulted in 14,327,800 potential years of life lost (PYLL), with 4,011,100 PYLL among women and 10,316,800 PYLL among men.

Alcohol-Attributable Injuries

Alcohol consumption significantly contributes to various types of injuries, including accidents, violence, and self-harm. Globally in 2010, alcohol-attributable injuries caused 669,300 deaths, accounting for 13.2 percent of all injury deaths that year. This included 71,100 deaths among women and 598,200 deaths among men. Additionally, it resulted in 29,110,600 potential years of life lost (PYLL), with 3,060,200 PYLL among women and 26,050,400 PYLL among men.

Alcohol consumption can have devastating consequences, not only for individuals but also for society as a whole. It is important to raise awareness about the impact of alcohol on specific diseases and injuries, and to promote responsible drinking habits to reduce the burden of alcohol-related harm.

Alcohol Consumption and Mortality

Understanding the relationship between alcohol consumption and mortality is essential in assessing the impact of alcohol on overall health. The effects of average alcohol consumption can vary depending on the amount consumed and the individual's drinking patterns. This section will explore the effects of average alcohol consumption and its relationship with disease conditions.

Effects of Average Alcohol Consumption

Research has linked varying average levels of alcohol consumption to increased and sometimes decreased risk for morbidity and mortality related to more than 60 disease conditions. The relationship between alcohol consumption and coronary heart disease (CHD) follows a J-shaped curve. Compared to abstaining from alcohol, low-to-moderate average consumption is associated with a lower risk of CHD incidence and mortality, with the lowest risk found at an average consumption of 20 grams per day. However, for higher levels of average alcohol consumption, the risk relationship reverses, with an average consumption of more than 70 grams per day associated with greater risk than that of abstainers.

It's important to note that binge drinking, even with low overall volume of drinking, has been associated with a greater risk of major coronary events. Heavy drinking occasions have also been linked to negative cardiovascular effects such as stroke or sudden cardiac death. Therefore, moderation is key when it comes to alcohol consumption to minimize the potential negative health consequences.

Relationship with Disease Conditions

Alcohol use is related to a wide range of negative health outcomes, including morbidity, mortality, and disability. In addition to coronary heart disease, alcohol consumption has been associated with various other diseases and conditions. Some notable examples include:

These are just a few examples of the many disease conditions that can be influenced by alcohol consumption. It's important to note that chronic diseases such as neuropsychiatric and digestive diseases are also associated with alcohol use. The burden of alcohol-related health issues, including alcohol use disorders, is significant both in the United States and worldwide.

Understanding the effects of alcohol consumption on mortality and disease conditions can help individuals make informed decisions about their alcohol consumption habits. It is recommended to consume alcohol in moderation and be aware of the potential risks associated with excessive or binge drinking. Regular monitoring of alcohol consumption and seeking support for alcohol-related issues can contribute to improved overall health and well-being.

Patterns of Alcohol Consumption

Understanding the patterns of alcohol consumption is essential when examining the effects on health and mortality. Let's explore the benefits of light-to-moderate drinking as well as the risks associated with heavy drinking.

Light-to-Moderate Drinking Benefits

Studies have shown a J-shaped curve relationship between alcohol consumption and coronary heart disease (CHD). Low-to-moderate average consumption of alcohol is associated with a lower risk for CHD incidence and mortality compared to abstaining from alcohol. The lowest risk is found at an average consumption of 20 grams per day.

Light-to-moderate alcohol consumption has also been associated with potential benefits such as:

It's important to note that these potential benefits should not overshadow the potential risks. While light-to-moderate drinking may have some favorable outcomes, it is essential to consume alcohol responsibly and within recommended limits.

Risks of Heavy Drinking

On the other end of the spectrum, heavy drinking poses significant risks to both physical and mental health. Binge drinking, even with low overall volume of drinking, has been associated with a greater risk of major coronary events such as heart attacks. Heavy drinking occasions have also been linked to negative cardiovascular effects, including stroke and sudden cardiac death.

Moreover, alcohol use is related to various chronic health consequences beyond cardiovascular disease and cancer. Neuropsychiatric and digestive diseases are notable examples. Alcohol use disorders, such as alcohol dependence and abuse, contribute to a significant burden of disease globally. Additionally, alcohol use has been implicated in the development of depression and liver cirrhosis.

In terms of injuries, alcohol use has been associated with an increased risk in various situations, including motor vehicle crashes, falls, interpersonal violence, and self-inflicted injuries. Morbidity and mortality resulting from traumatic injury are the most significant health consequences of alcohol use in developed countries.

When considering alcohol consumption, it is crucial to be aware of the potential risks associated with heavy drinking. The negative consequences on physical and mental health, as well as the increased risk of accidents and injuries, highlight the importance of responsible alcohol consumption.

It's essential to consult with healthcare professionals for personalized advice on alcohol consumption, especially if you have any health conditions or concerns about your well-being.

Addressing Alcohol-Related Health Burden

Alcohol misuse carries a significant health burden, not only in the United States but also globally. Understanding the impact of alcohol-related mortality is crucial for addressing this public health issue effectively.

Health Burden in the United States

In the United States, alcohol misuse ranks as the fourth leading preventable cause of death, resulting in an average of 88,000 deaths each year. From 2011 to 2015, excessive alcohol use accounted for 88,000 deaths annually, making it the third leading preventable cause of death in the country.

Alcohol-related deaths in the United States are attributed to various causes, including alcohol poisoning, car accidents involving alcohol, falls, and other accidents. These statistics highlight the significant impact alcohol has on mortality rates and emphasize the importance of addressing alcohol misuse as a public health concern.

Considerations for Chronic Diseases

Alcohol use is associated with a substantial health burden in the United States and many other countries worldwide, even after considering its potential beneficial effects. It is important to note that studies on the relationship between alcohol use and disease outcomes are primarily observational in nature, as noted by the National Center for Biotechnology Information. However, these findings are supported by experimental physiological research.

Excessive alcohol consumption has been linked to various chronic diseases, including liver cirrhosis, cardiovascular diseases, certain types of cancer, and mental health disorders. The relationship between alcohol use and these diseases is complex and influenced by factors such as the amount and frequency of alcohol consumption, genetic predispositions, and individual health profiles.

When addressing the health burden associated with chronic diseases related to alcohol use, it is essential to promote awareness, prevention, and access to resources for early intervention and treatment. Public health initiatives, education, and support systems play a crucial role in reducing alcohol-related harm and improving overall health outcomes.

By understanding the health burden caused by alcohol misuse and its impact on chronic diseases, individuals, communities, and policymakers can work together to implement effective strategies for prevention, intervention, and support.