What is the impact of excessive alcohol use on years of life lost in the US population?
Excessive alcohol use is a leading preventable cause of death in the United States. It shortens lives significantly, contributing to a large number of years of potential life lost (YPLL) each year. Recent data show that deaths from excessive drinking have been rising, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.
What the research says
According to a CDC report, excessive alcohol use was responsible for approximately 178,000 deaths and 2.8 million years of potential life lost each year in the United States from 2020 to 2021 2. This represents an increase from previous years: the average annual number of alcohol-related deaths rose from about 138,000 in 2016-2017 to 178,000 in 2020-2021 3. The rise in deaths accelerated during the pandemic, with a 29% increase from 2019 to 2020 alone 3. These deaths are not limited to any single cause; excessive alcohol use contributes to liver disease, injuries, heart disease, and other conditions 10. Globally, hazardous alcohol consumption causes approximately 4% of all deaths 10. The burden falls disproportionately on certain groups, with recent cohorts of women showing higher rates of binge drinking and alcohol use disorder symptoms 8.
What to ask your doctor
- What are my personal risk factors for alcohol-related health problems?
- How many drinks per week is considered low-risk for my age and health status?
- Are there screening tools or programs available to help me reduce my drinking?
- What signs of alcohol-related liver damage should I watch for?
- Can you refer me to a specialist or support group if I need help cutting back?
This question is drawn from common patient questions about Primary Care & Family Medicine and answered using cited medical research. We do not provide individualized advice.