Federal data show that 1 in 10 people had an alcohol use disorder in the past year, over 4 in 10 alcohol users report binge drinking in the past month, and per capita alcohol consumption is higher than the decade prior. Treatment rates for alcohol use disorders are notably low, especially for the use of medication, a recommended AUD treatment component. Although the opioid crisis has been declared a public health emergency by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services since 2017, no similar declaration exists regarding alcohol deaths.

Health risk factors

When we look at the variance in prevalence across age groups, we see that globally, the prevalence is highest in those aged between 15 and 49 years old. This pattern of drinking is often termed ‘binging,’ where individuals consume large amounts of alcohol within a single session versus small quantities more frequently. At the end of this topic page, you will find additional resources and guidance if you, or someone you know, needs support in dealing with alcohol dependency. Other trends include using alternative barrels, such as cherry wood and acacia, to age whiskey and cask crossbreeding, which is the process of “blending whiskey from different cask types…such as bourbon barrels with…sherry or wine casks.” Industry members should not rely solely on generation to build a likely buyer profile; rather, it is essential to consider a consumer’s attitudes (i.e., what they think) and behaviors (i.e., what they do) when developing a promotional strategy.

Other statistics on the topicAlcohol and health

Virginia has fewer alcohol-related deaths per capita than most other states. Alcohol-related deaths in Vermont are average, but under-21 deaths are among the lowest nationwide. Pennsylvania’s alcohol-related deaths are average age of an alcoholic less likely to be due to chronic causes.

Stages of Alcoholism: Early, Chronic, and End Stage

Aside from age range, who was more likely to select beer as their beverage of choice? Compared to their counterparts, those with an annual household income of less than $50,000 (48%), males (53%), as well as those with a high school level of education or less (52%). Binge-drinking is a significant problem in Wisconsin, and alcohol-related deaths are more likely to involve older, long-term users. Oregon’s alcohol-related deaths are among the nation’s oldest, with chronic abuse the most significant cause of death. Mississippi has a high rate of under-21 alcohol-related deaths and the second-highest rate of deaths from acute causes.

The comparison of this map with the previous maps makes clear that heavy drinking is not necessarily most common in the same countries where alcohol consumption is most common. The map shows heavy drinkers – those who had an episode of heavy drinking in the previous 30 days – as a share of total drinkers (i.e., those who have drunk less than one alcoholic drink in the last 12 months are excluded). Data indicate that consumers who purchase non-alcoholic products are also purchasing beverages with alcohol, and the percentage is increasing. In 2022, “82% of non-alcoholic drink buyers are also still purchasing drinks that contain alcohol.”  In 2023, 94% “of those who are buying non-alcoholic products continue to buy…products with alcohol.”

When people think of alcohol-related liver disease, they often picture an older adult with several decades of drinking behind them. But while it’s true that alcoholic liver disease is more common in older people, younger adults aren’t immune. In fact, cirrhosis of the liver has been on the rise among young people for some time. In the chart, we see data across some countries on the share of people with an alcohol use disorder who received treatment. This data is based on estimates of prevalence and treatment published by the World Health Organization (WHO). Long-run data on alcohol consumption from the United States gives us one perspective of drinking since 1850.

• Though growth has slowed “after a peak in 2020 to 2021…the category is poised for robust gains in the coming years, spearheaded by no-alcohol and persistently strong recruitment levels.” The CAGR for no and low-alcoholic beverages from 2019 to 2023 was 25%.
• Health conditions caused by end stage alcoholism can include fatigue, malnutrition, jaundice, heart failure, anemia, alcohol dementia, and cirrhosis.
• As with adults, teens can develop unhealthy relationships with substances, including alcohol.
• When an individual reaches this stage, drinking has taken over their lives and has impacted their daily functioning, including work, finances, and relationships.

Michigan has a slightly higher rate of alcohol-related deaths and female drinking deaths. Massachusetts has one of the nation’s lowest rates of under-21 alcohol-related drinking deaths. Statistics indicate that Illinois may have a significant underage drinking problem though its under-21 death rate has declined in recent years. The death rate from excessive alcohol use in Hawaii is below average, but alcohol-related death is more prevalent among males than anywhere else in the United States (excluding territories). Connecticut’s alcohol-related death rate is slightly below the national average.

They include deaths where the primary (or underlying) cause of death listed on the death certificate was one of 58 alcohol-related causes. Almost27%of intermediate familial alcohol dependents have sought help for their drinking problem. They tend to prefer self-help groups, detoxification programs, specialty treatment programs and individual private health care providers.