140 Alcohol Abuse Statistics, Facts & Demographics

Key Alcohol Abuse Statistics & Facts

• Alcohol abuse costs the US economy approximately $249 billion annually.
• In the United States, over 15 million people struggle with an alcohol use disorder (AUD).
• An estimated 88,000 deaths are attributed to alcohol-related causes each year in the US.
• Worldwide, 3.3 million deaths annually are linked to alcohol consumption.
• Around 15% of people who consume alcohol will develop an alcohol use disorder at some point in their lives.
• Men are more likely to develop an alcohol use disorder than women.
• Alcohol use is responsible for 5.1% of the global burden of disease and injury.
• Alcohol consumption contributes to more than 200 different types of diseases and injuries.
• Over 10% of US children live with a parent who has an alcohol problem.
• 26.45% of individuals aged 18 and above reported binge drinking in the past month in the US.
• Heavy drinking is more common among adults aged 18 to 25.
• Alcohol is a factor in around 30% of all fatal motor vehicle accidents.
• Nearly 50% of all liver disease-related deaths in the US are alcohol-related.
• Alcohol use during pregnancy can lead to fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASDs).
• Approximately 2.2% of the global population has alcohol use disorder.
• In 2016, 3 million deaths worldwide were attributable to alcohol use.
• 26.5% of all US adults engaged in binge drinking in the past month.
• Alcohol consumption is responsible for 4% of cancer deaths worldwide.
• Among college students in the US, 1 in 4 report academic consequences from drinking.
• 30% of college students meet the criteria for alcohol use disorder.

• The prevalence of alcohol use disorder is higher among those with a lower socioeconomic status.
• Alcohol is responsible for 15% of all workplace deaths in the US.
• 23% of US adults reported binge drinking on five or more occasions in the past month.
• In the UK, alcohol is estimated to cost the NHS £3.5 billion annually.
• Alcohol misuse is the leading risk factor for death and disability among people aged 15-49 worldwide.
• In 2019, alcohol-impaired driving fatalities accounted for 29% of all traffic-related deaths in the US.
• Alcohol use disorder is more common among individuals with mental health disorders.
• 20% of US high school students reported binge drinking in the past month.
• Alcohol-related liver disease is the leading cause of liver transplants in the US.
• Alcohol contributes to 30% of deaths from injuries in Canada.
• The risk of developing an AUD is higher among people with a family history of alcoholism.
• Only about 7% of people with alcohol use disorder receive treatment.
• Alcohol consumption is linked to a higher risk of suicide and self-harm.
• 50% of homicides involve alcohol consumption by either the victim or the perpetrator.
• Excessive alcohol use leads to a higher risk of heart disease, stroke, and hypertension.
• In Australia, alcohol is responsible for 5.1% of the total burden of disease and injury.
• Alcohol misuse costs Canada approximately $14.6 billion each year.
• Over 10% of children in the US live with a parent who has an alcohol use disorder.
• Alcohol consumption increases the risk of developing breast cancer.
• Alcohol use is a factor in 30% of all emergency department visits in the US.

Top 20 Countries with the Highest Alcohol Consumption

• Lithuania - 15.19 liters per capita
• Belarus - 14.41 liters per capita
• Czech Republic - 14.38 liters per capita
• Grenada - 13.90 liters per capita
• Andorra - 13.83 liters per capita
• Estonia - 13.80 liters per capita
• Poland - 13.26 liters per capita
• Latvia - 13.11 liters per capita
• Russia - 13.00 liters per capita
• Slovakia - 12.91 liters per capita
• Hungary - 12.88 liters per capita
• Croatia - 12.28 liters per capita
• Ireland - 11.94 liters per capita
• Luxembourg - 11.80 liters per capita
• France - 11.70 liters per capita
• Australia - 11.49 liters per capita
• Portugal - 11.00 liters per capita
• Belgium - 10.99 liters per capita
• Finland - 10.88 liters per capita
• United Kingdom - 10.78 liters per capita

Alcohol Abuse Prevalence

• In 2019, the highest alcohol consumption rates were observed in Europe.
• Alcohol use disorder is more prevalent among veterans than in the general population.
• Alcohol use can contribute to memory problems and cognitive decline in the elderly.
• 22.1% of US adults engage in heavy alcohol use.
• Alcohol use during pregnancy affects an estimated 1 in 9 infants in the US.
• Over 95% of people who need specialized treatment for alcohol use disorder do not receive it.
• In 2016, 41% of road traffic deaths in low- and middle-income countries involved alcohol.
• Alcohol use is associated with a higher risk of developing pancreatitis.
• Approximately 10% of pregnant women worldwide report alcohol consumption.
• Alcohol-related problems are more common among men than women.
• Alcohol contributes to 30% of suicides in the United States.
• In South Africa, alcohol abuse is estimated to cost the economy more than R240 billion annually.
• Heavy alcohol use is linked to an increased risk of violence, including domestic violence.
• Alcohol abuse is a significant risk factor for the spread of HIV/AIDS in certain populations.
• Despite the harmful effects, alcohol continues to be one of the most widely used psychoactive substances worldwide.

Alcohol Abuse Statistics by Gender

• In most countries, men are more likely to consume alcohol and engage in heavy drinking than women.
• According to the World Health Organization (WHO), worldwide, 32% of men and 9% of women consume alcohol, and 25% of men and 3% of women engage in heavy episodic drinking.
• However, the gender gap in alcohol use is narrowing. In some countries, such as Australia and the UK, the gender gap in alcohol consumption has almost disappeared.
• Women are more vulnerable to the harmful effects of alcohol than men due to differences in body size and metabolism. Women who drink heavily are at higher risk for liver disease, cancer, and other health problems compared to men who drink heavily.
• Women who experience domestic violence are more likely to report that their partner was under the influence of alcohol at the time of the incident.

States with Highest Alcohol Abuse Rate

• North Dakota: 24.7%
• Montana: 21.8%
• Wisconsin: 21.6%
• Alaska: 21.5%
• Illinois: 20.9%
• Iowa: 20.9%
• Minnesota: 20.5%
• Hawaii: 20.3%
• Nebraska: 19.9%
• Michigan: 19.7%

Crime-Related Alcohol Abuse Statistics

• Alcohol is a significant factor in many types of crime, including domestic violence, sexual assault, and homicide.
• According to the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence (NCADD), alcohol is a factor in 40% of all violent crimes in the US.
• In addition to violent crime, alcohol is also associated with property crime such as theft and vandalism.
• In the UK, approximately 39% of violent incidents are estimated to be related to alcohol use.
• The economic costs of alcohol-related crime are substantial. In the US, it is estimated that alcohol-related crime costs over $50 billion annually.

Most Common Causes of Alcohol-Related Deaths

Alcohol-related deaths can be caused by various factors, including acute intoxication, chronic health conditions resulting from long-term alcohol abuse, and accidents or injuries related to alcohol consumption. Here are some of the most common causes of alcohol-related deaths:

• Liver Disease: Chronic alcohol consumption can lead to liver diseases such as alcoholic liver cirrhosis, alcoholic hepatitis, and fatty liver disease, all of which can be life-threatening.
• Alcohol Poisoning: Acute alcohol intoxication, also known as alcohol poisoning, can occur when a person consumes a large amount of alcohol in a short period, leading to dangerous levels of alcohol in the bloodstream, which can be fatal.
• Accidents and Injuries: Alcohol impairs judgment, coordination, and reaction times, increasing the risk of accidents and injuries, including motor vehicle accidents, falls, drownings, and other accidents.
• Cardiovascular Diseases: Long-term heavy drinking can contribute to cardiovascular diseases like heart attacks, strokes, and hypertension.
• Cancers: Excessive alcohol consumption has been linked to an increased risk of various cancers, including liver, mouth, throat, esophageal, breast, and colorectal cancers.
• Suicide: Alcohol abuse is associated with a higher risk of suicide and self-harm.
• Homicides: Alcohol use can lead to impaired judgment and aggressive behavior, contributing to violent incidents, including homicides.
• Alcohol-Induced Psychiatric Disorders: Chronic alcohol abuse can lead to mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, and other psychiatric disorders, which can be a factor in alcohol-related deaths.
• Pancreatitis: Heavy alcohol consumption can cause inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis), which can be life-threatening if left untreated.
• Respiratory Diseases: Alcohol abuse can weaken the immune system and increase the risk of respiratory infections and diseases.

Countries with Highest Alcohol-Related Deaths

• Russia: 30%
• Lesotho: 25%
• Lithuania: 23%
• Central African Republic: 22%
• Ukraine: 21%
• Namibia: 21%
• Belarus: 19%
• Estonia: 18%
• South Africa: 17%
• Latvia: 16%

Alcohol Deaths & Demographics

• According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), excessive alcohol use is responsible for an average of 95,000 deaths in the US each year.
• The highest death rates related to alcohol are among middle-aged adults (35-64 years) and men.
• Alcohol-related death rates are highest among American Indians/Alaska Natives, followed by Whites, Hispanics, and Blacks.
• Excessive drinking is responsible for about 1 in 10 deaths among working-age adults aged 20-64 years.
• In addition to deaths, excessive alcohol use can also lead to a range of health problems, including liver disease, cancer, and mental health disorders.

United Kingdom Alcohol Abuse Statistics

• Alcohol Consumption: The United Kingdom has a relatively high level of alcohol consumption. In 2019, the average alcohol consumption per capita was estimated to be around 11.7 liters of pure alcohol per person aged 15 years and older.
• Binge Drinking: Binge drinking is a common pattern of alcohol consumption in the UK. In 2019, about 26% of adults aged 18 and over reported binge drinking in the past month.
• Alcohol-Related Deaths: Alcohol-related deaths have been a significant public health concern in the UK. In 2019, there were approximately 7,423 alcohol-specific deaths registered in England and Wales, which represented a 19.6% increase compared to 2018.
• Alcohol and Crime: Alcohol is often linked to incidents of crime, including violent offenses. In the UK, a significant percentage of violent crimes are committed under the influence of alcohol.
• Alcohol and Health: Excessive alcohol consumption can lead to various health issues, including liver diseases, cardiovascular problems, and an increased risk of certain cancers.
• Underage Drinking: Underage drinking remains a concern in the UK. Efforts have been made to curb access to alcohol for minors and reduce alcohol-related harm among young people.
• Economic Impact: Alcohol abuse and related issues place a substantial burden on the UK economy, including healthcare costs, lost productivity, and the cost of addressing alcohol-related crime.

Asia Alcohol Abuse Statistics

• According to the World Health Organization (WHO), alcohol consumption in Asia has increased by 45% since 2000.
• The highest levels of alcohol consumption in Asia are found in the Western Pacific region, which includes China, Japan, and South Korea.
• In China, alcohol use is a leading risk factor for death and disability, accounting for over 7% of all deaths.
• Heavy episodic drinking is prevalent among young people in many Asian countries, particularly in East Asia.
• Alcohol use is also a significant public health issue in South Asia. In India, for example, an estimated 5% of all deaths and 4.6% of disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) are attributable to alcohol use.

Australia Alcohol Abuse Statistics

• Alcohol is a major cause of preventable death and disease in Australia. It is estimated to be responsible for 4,000 deaths and 70,000 hospitalizations each year.
• In 2019, the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare reported that 17% of Australians aged 18 years and over drank at levels that put them at risk of harm from long-term chronic disease.
• In the same year, 25% of Australians aged 18 years and over reported drinking at levels that put them at risk of injury from a single drinking occasion.
• The most common setting for alcohol-related harm in Australia is the home, followed by licensed premises such as bars and clubs.
• Alcohol is also a significant factor in road accidents in Australia. In 2019, alcohol was involved in 29% of all fatal crashes.

Source

https://www.niaaa.nih.gov/publications/brochures-and-fact-sheets/women-and-alcohol

https://drugabusestatistics.org/alcohol-abuse-statistics/

https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/alcohol

https://www.niaaa.nih.gov/alcohols-effects-health/alcohol-topics/alcohol-facts-and-statistics/alcohol-use-disorder-aud-united-states-age-groups-and-demographic-characteristics