Alcohol consumption in the U.S., increasing before 2020, surged during the pandemic, likely serving as a coping mechanism for many. Per capita alcohol sales saw their most significant increase from 2019 to 2021 since 1969, as reported by the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA). This rise in consumption has paralleled an increase in alcohol-related deaths and diseases, affecting virtually every organ system.
Re-Evaluating Alcohol’s Health Impacts
Experts are now re-evaluating alcohol’s health impacts. The 2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans will be released soon. They may reflect new recommendations on alcohol use, but given the influence of rich and powerful alcohol producers, those recommendations will likely be fraught with controversy.
The Myth of Moderate Drinking Benefits
One thing is clear… the long-held belief that moderate alcohol consumption could be beneficial is increasingly challenged by evidence of its broader health risks, including increased cancer risk even at low consumption levels. Alcohol is linked to several cancers, particularly breast cancer, and has been identified as a significant carcinogen by the World Health Organization and the U.S. government.
Exceeding Recommended Alcohol Limits
What’s more, alcohol consumption patterns often exceed the currently recommended daily limits of one drink for women and two for men, contributing to the risk of developing an alcohol use disorder, a problem for close to 30 million Americans 12 and older annually.
Variations in Drinking Patterns
Drinking patterns reveal that about half of American adults abstain from alcohol monthly, while the rest engage in varying levels of consumption, with a notable portion drinking excessively. Younger adults and those with higher incomes are more likely to drink. Women’s drinking rates are also rising, narrowing the gap with men, and women are more vulnerable to alcohol-related harms due to biological differences. Additionally, high-risk drinking is a significant problem for U.S. veterans and LGBTQ+ individuals.
Rising Alcohol-Related Deaths
Particularly alarming is the rise in alcohol-related deaths, especially among young people and women. From 2019 to 2020, alcohol-related deaths spiked by 25.5%, with significant increases in opioid overdose deaths involving alcohol. Binge drinking accounts for a substantial portion of these deaths.
The Prevalence of Binge Drinking
Binge drinking is common, with nearly half of drinkers indulging in it, defined as consuming four or more drinks for women and five or more for men within a few hours. This behavior is particularly prevalent among younger adults and certain racial groups, such as American Indians/Alaska Natives and Asian Pacific Islanders.
Challenges in Determining Safe Alcohol Levels
Determining a “safe” level of alcohol consumption, if there is such a thing, remains challenging. While some guidelines exist, personal genetics and underlying health conditions complicate making universally applicable recommendations. Current data suggests that many people unknowingly engage in risky drinking behaviors, highlighting the need for increased public awareness and education on alcohol’s potential harms.
Aware Recovery Care Is Here to Help
If you or a loved one is struggling with an addiction to alcohol, opioids, or other drugs and need help in Maine, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Virginia, Georgia, Florida, Ohio, Kentucky, or Indiana, the recovery teams at Aware Recovery Care are here to help. And we come to you, regardless of where you live. Our unique in-home treatment model of care gives clients a significantly better chance of recovery than traditional inpatient rehab care. We are now offering Virtual Detox and Medication Assisted Treatment in New Hampshire, Connecticut, Virginia, Georgia, Indiana, Kentucky, and Ohio as well. Please get in touch with one of our Recovery Specialists to learn more.
