The death rate from alcohol-related liver disease in the United States has more than doubled unacceptably over the last 20 years. Yet recent studies found that this rate nearly doubled, rising from 6.7 to 12.5 deaths per 100,000 population from 1999 to 2022. This alarming trend exposes a dangerous divide between races, ethnicities, and incomes. Women, young adults, and communities of color are among those seeing some of the steepest rises.
The original study found an incredible 1 in 5 reduction in mortality. Women saw an annual percentage increase of 4.3%, compared to an increase of just 2.5% for men. Every young adult between the ages of 25 and 44 were at an especially alarming juncture. Their mortality rate increased by 4.2% over that period. These staggering statistics highlight a public health crisis that demands immediate action.
American Indian and Alaska Native communities took the lead with the highest death rates among racial and ethnic groups. The data showed a startling uptick in mortality in these communities. They surged from about 25 – almost pre-COVID levels – to almost 47 per 100,000 at the end of the study period. This alarming rise highlights the critical importance of targeted interventions to overcome unique challenges impacting these populations.
The death rate for Black people first improved before sharply rising beginning in 2019. The study found a shocking average annual increase of nearly 21% per year until 2022 for this group. White folks watched their death rates grow by leaps. This surge interrupted a stable trend from 6.6 to 6.5 deaths per 100,000, with an annual decrease of about 0.01%.
To summarize, our study found that there were a total of 436,814 alcohol-associated liver disease deaths from 1999-2022. Alarmingly, mortality rates increased at a rate of 9% per year between 2018 and 2022. Researchers attributed the dramatic increase to stressors related to the pandemic. Financial insecurity and social isolation during the pandemic likely aggravated pre-existing alcohol consumption issues.
