Particle.news
Download on the App Store
3 ARTICLES
·
2w ago

Alcohol-Related Liver Disease Deaths Nearly Double in Two Decades

JAMA Network Open research ties the surge to pandemic-driven stress, highlighting faster mortality increases among women alongside the highest per-capita toll in tribal communities

In this image taken with a fisheye lens, bottles of alcohol are displayed during a tour of a state liquor store Thursday, June 16, 2016, in Salt Lake City. Utah lawmakers toured a state liquor store and warehouse as critics say Utah's alcohol control agency needs more money and stores to meet the demand from residents. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)
Image
Image

Overview

  • Mortality from alcohol-related liver disease rose from 6.7 to 12.5 per 100,000 people in the U.S. between 1999 and 2022 according to JAMA Network Open
  • From 2018 to 2022, death rates climbed at an average of 9 percent annually, driven by pandemic-related stressors such as financial insecurity and social isolation
  • Women experienced faster year-over-year increases in mortality than men, while young adults have exhibited concerning upward trends in recent years
  • American Indian and Alaska Native communities saw the highest per-capita rates, doubling from about 25 to nearly 47 deaths per 100,000 over the study period
  • Researchers call for comprehensive public health strategies including enhanced screening, improved addiction treatment access and targeted interventions for high-risk groups