
Alaska has the nation’s second-highest number of alcohol-related deaths per capita. Alcohol Use Disorder and alcoholism have damaged some groups or demographics more than others. Alcohol abuse statistics indicate some inequalities may be due to social conditioning.
Alcohol’s Role in Preventable Deaths

From 2016–2017 to 2020–2021, the average annual number of U.S. deaths from excessive alcohol use increased by more than 40,000 (29%), from approximately 138,000 per year (2016–2017) to 178,000 per year (2020–2021). This increase translates to an average of approximately 488 deaths each day from excessive drinking during 2020–2021. These findings are consistent with another recent study that found a larger increase in fully alcohol-attributable death rates among females compared with males (8). In general, Massachusetts struggles with substance abuse, with rates of illicit drug use and binge drinking exceeding national averages. Despite recent progress in reducing opioid deaths, the crisis persists, exacerbated by the prevalence of fentanyl and the particular vulnerability of young adults to both drug and alcohol misuse.
Data Table: Costs of Excessive Alcohol Use by State

Assessing the risks and benefits of alcohol consumption remains an active area of research that may lead to major changes in official guidelines or warning labels. For millions of people, it’s a regular part of the dining experience, social and sports events, celebrations, and milestones. And the alcoholic beverage industry is a major economic force, responsible for more than $250 billion in sales annually in the US. About 17.1 percent of the United States population aged 12 or older had a substance use disorder (SUD) in the past year. These figures show the varying impact of different legal and illicit drugs on individuals and emphasize the need for targeted prevention and treatment strategies. We categorized deaths into chronic and acute causes, allowing for a detailed breakdown of alcohol’s impact on health and safety.
Illinois Alcohol Abuse Statistics
In addition, 4.0 million people received treatment through telehealth services. Furthermore, 2.3 million received medication-assisted treatment (MAT) for opioid use, while 1.1 million received MAT for alcohol use. Lastly, 797,000 individuals received treatment in prison, jail, or juvenile detention centers. Among these, young Sobriety adults aged 18 to 25 had the highest rates, with 15.1 percent or 5.1 million people affected.

- The harmful use of alcohol results in the death of 2.6 million people annually.
- When looking at different demographic groups, the survey found that American Indian or Alaska Native people had the highest rate of SUD at 25.3 percent.
- Furthermore, 2.3 million received medication-assisted treatment (MAT) for opioid use, while 1.1 million received MAT for alcohol use.
- As per the 2023 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), 4.5 percent of people aged 12 or older, which is about 12.8 million individuals, received treatment for substance use disorder (SUD) in the past year.
- Department of Health and Human Services.Use of trade names and commercial sources is for identification only and does not imply endorsement by the U.S.
For example, a 2018 study found what is alcohol abuse that light drinkers (those consuming one to three drinks per week) had lower rates of cancer or death than those drinking less than one drink per week or none at all. These figures highlight the significant impact of substance use disorders (SUDs) on a large portion of the population. As per the 2023 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), 4.5 percent of people aged 12 or older, which is about 12.8 million individuals, received treatment for substance use disorder (SUD) in the past year. This treatment comes in various forms and settings to address different needs. The prevalence of alcohol abuse and addiction varied across different racial and ethnic groups across the country. Multiracial individuals had the highest rate at 13.6 percent, compared to Black people at 9.6 percent, Hispanic people at 9.2 percent, and Asian people at 5.7 percent.
Jessica graduated from the University of South Florida (USF) with an English degree and combines her writing expertise and passion for helping others to deliver reliable information to those impacted by addiction. Informed by her personal journey to recovery and support of loved ones in sobriety, Jessica’s empathetic and authentic approach resonates deeply with the Addiction Help community. Drinking alcohol is common but can be incredibly dangerous when done irresponsibly. Alcohol can also be extremely addictive and cause major health problems to frequent users.

Hawaii Alcohol Abuse Statistics
- Arkansas has more alcohol-related deaths per capita than a majority of states and a higher rate of underage drinking.
- These figures show the varying impact of different legal and illicit drugs on individuals and emphasize the need for targeted prevention and treatment strategies.
- Maine has one of the nation’s lowest rates of under-21 alcohol-related deaths.
Oregon’s alcohol-related deaths are among the nation’s oldest, with chronic abuse the most significant cause of death. New York has the third-lowest number of alcohol-related deaths per capita among all U.S. states. New Jersey has the second-lowest number of alcohol-related deaths per capita (Utah has the lowest). Mississippi has a high rate of under-21 alcohol-related deaths and the second-highest rate of deaths from acute causes. Maine has one of the nation’s lowest rates of under-21 alcohol-related deaths. Statistics indicate Iowa is one of the nation’s leaders in chronic abuse among its alcohol-related deaths.