Alcohol is estimated to cause 140,000 deaths (1) each year in America. Alcohol is a potent depressant consumed worldwide. Its sedative-hypnotic properties vary widely in their effect on those who drink. Considered safe when consumed in moderation, alcohol carries a multitude of dangerous side effects when used in excess. Whether its side effects are health related, accidents, or a combination, thousands each year feel the impact of the dangers associated with alcohol.
If you or someone you love has developed an alcohol use disorder, substance use treatment may be a helpful step in your recovery process. Guardian Recovery is a nationwide network of substance use treatment facilities committed to the recovery of all who enter our doors. Call today to speak with a treatment advisor. They will be able to answer any questions you may have about the recovery process and guide you along those first crucial steps. Your life of recovery can start today.
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What Is the Main Cause of Death for Alcoholics?
The primary cause of alcohol related deaths between 2015 and 2019 is liver disease. The liver is responsible for filtering toxins from the body. Alcohol is one such toxin and places a large amount of stress on the liver. Excessive alcohol consumption causes the liver to overwork leading to a host of liver diseases. These conditions include cirrhosis, fatty liver, and alcoholic hepatitis. Each of these conditions carry different side effects but all are potentially deadly.
What State Has the Highest Alcohol-Related Deaths?
In 2019, the leading state (2) for alcohol related deaths was New Mexico. That year there were an estimated 34.4 alcohol related deaths per 100,000 residents. This means that approximately 1 in every 3000 residents of New Mexico died from alcohol related causes. Following New Mexico is the state of Wyoming with 28.5 out of every 100,000 residents dying from alcohol related means. Alaska followed in third place with 23.9 out of every 100,000. Of the states with the highest rates of alcohol related deaths, only 3 were east of the Mississippi River (Tennessee, New Hampshire, and Vermont).
The Average Age of Death for Alcoholics
The overall alcohol related death rate has been steadily increasing since 2006. Almost every age range has experienced an increase in deaths related to alcohol. In 2019 this increase reached a new high with an estimated 11.9 adults per 100,000 dying from alcohol related issues.
Deaths Related to Alcohol Consumption by Age
Since 2006, nearly every age range has seen a statistical increase (3) in alcohol related deaths. The only exception to this was adults aged 18-24 who remained statistically consistent. The age group with the highest death rate related to alcohol in 2019 was adults aged 55-64. This group had approximately 32.5 out of every 100,000 people die from an alcohol related issue. This rate was nearly 3 times higher than the rest of the population. This age group also saw the highest increase in alcohol related deaths since 2006. There was an estimated 70% increase between 2006 and 2019.
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Illnesses & Conditions Caused by Long-Term Alcohol Abuse
Alcohol’s impact on the body is widespread. Long term excessive use of alcohol can have a negative impact on nearly every system of the body. Many of the deaths attributed to alcohol consumption are due to the long term health conditions it causes. Though these conditions are not always fatal, they can significantly decrease the overall quality of life.
Some of the diseases (4) that can come from long term alcohol misuse include:
- High blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, liver disease, and digestive problems.
- Cancer of the breast, mouth, throat, esophagus, voice box, liver, colon, and rectum.
- Weakening of the immune system, increasing the chances of getting sick.
- Learning and memory problems, including dementia and poor school performance.
- Mental health problems, including depression and anxiety.
- Social problems, including family problems, job-related problems, and unemployment.
- Alcohol use disorders, or alcohol dependence.
Yearly Deaths Due to Fatal Health Conditions from Prolonged Alcohol Consumption
Alcohol related deaths (1) are the fourth largest category of preventable deaths for Americans. Of these deaths, many are due to chronic conditions caused by excessive alcohol consumption. The most prevalent form of alcohol related disease is liver disease. This category can include conditions like cirrhosis, alcoholic hepatitis, and fatty liver. Cardiovascular disease is another common result of excessive alcohol consumption over an extended period of time. These and other alcohol related conditions are responsible for the 210,000 alcohol related emergency room visits that the United States experiences each year.
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Seeking Treatment for Alcohol Related Issues
Many find that they have developed an alcohol use disorder without realizing it. Their alcohol use has continued to the point where they feel like their life has become unmanageable. If you or a loved one find themselves in this situation, help is available. Guardian Recovery is a nationwide network of substance use treatment facilities committed to the long term recovery of each of our clients. Our highly trained team of medical and clinical professionals are here to provide you with the tools you need for the life that you want.
Call Guardian Recovery today to speak with a treatment advisor. They will be able to answer any questions you may have about the treatment process. They will also be able to conduct a free insurance check with no obligation to you. Call Guardian Recovery today and begin your journey to recovery.
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Disclaimer: Does not guarantee specific treatment outcomes, as individual results may vary. Our services are not a substitute for professional medical advice or diagnosis; please consult a qualified healthcare provider for such matters.
- https://www.niaaa.nih.gov/alcohols-effects-health/alcohol-topics/alcohol-facts-and-statistics/alcohol-related-emergencies-and-deaths-united-states#:~:text=It%20is%20estimated%20that%20more,physical%20inactivity%2C%20and%20illegal%20drugs.
- https://www.shadac.org/news/us-alcohol-related-deaths-grew-nearly-50-two-decades#:~:text=For%20instance%2C%20in%202019%2C%20New,per%20100%2C000%20people%20in%20Hawaii.
- https://www.shadac.org/sites/default/files/publications/Alcohol-Involved-Deaths/AID-4.21-SHADAC-Brief.pdf
- https://www.cdc.gov/alcohol/fact-sheets/alcohol-use.htm#:~:text=Over%20time%2C%20excessive%20alcohol%20use,liver%20disease%2C%20and%20digestive%20problems.&text=Cancer%20of%20the%20breast%2C%20mouth,liver%2C%20colon%2C%20and%20rectum
