In the United States, alcohol abuse has become the third leading preventable cause of death, following tobacco and poor diet and physical inactivity. Alcohol-related deaths in the U.S. doubled from 1999 to 2017, and the numbers have continued to rise, especially during the Covid-19 pandemic. The problem is particularly acute among younger white individuals, with significant increases in mortality observed in the mid-2010s.
One possible factor contributing to the increase in alcohol abuse among young people is the way alcohol is marketed, with advertisers emphasizing its social acceptability and supposed link to social success. Studies have shown a strong association between the marketing content of televised alcohol advertisements and brand-specific consumption among both underage youth and adults. Some commercials have been criticized for targeting younger demographics, potentially exacerbating the issue.
Alcohol abuse can have severe health consequences over time, leading to liver and cardiovascular diseases, various types of cancer, and alcohol use disorder. Excessive drinking can also result in alcohol poisoning or other dangers like motor vehicle accidents. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that 17% of U.S. adults binge drink, with alcohol-impaired driving fatalities accounting for a significant portion of motor vehicular deaths.
While moderate alcohol consumption may have social and potential physical benefits, health entities like the Mayo Clinic caution that any amount of alcohol carries health risks. It’s suggested that expert recommendations regarding alcohol consumption may change in light of evidence of alcohol-related harms, prompting the need for a national dialogue about substance misuse, including alcohol. Access to quality care for alcohol misuse and associated diseases is often lacking, and efforts should be focused on research, access to therapy, curbing advertising, and education campaigns.
Although alcohol abuse is not currently considered a public health emergency, the increasing toll of alcohol-related deaths may prompt more urgency in addressing the issue. While prevention and treatment strategies are available and effective, there remains a stigma around seeking help for alcohol misuse. Public health specialists advocate for a more concerted effort to address alcohol abuse and addiction, with a focus on improving access to care, raising awareness, and implementing targeted interventions.
