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CDC: Six Americans die daily from alcohol poisoning

Alcohol poisoning is the cause of more than 2,200 deaths each year, or six deaths daily, in the United States, according to a new Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report from the CDC.

“Alcohol poisoning deaths are a heartbreaking reminder of the dangers of excessive alcohol use, which is a leading cause of preventable deaths in the US,” Ileana Arias, PhD, the CDC’s Principal Deputy Director, said in a press release. “We need to implement effective programs and policies to prevent binge drinking and the many health and social harms that are related to it, including deaths from alcohol poisoning.”

Robert Brewer

Researchers at the CDC analyzed cause-of-death mortality files from 2010 to 2012 from the National Vital Statistics System to determine the average annual alcohol poisoning deaths and death rates among Americans aged ≥15 years.

Data revealed an annual average of 2,221 alcohol poisoning deaths (8.8 deaths per 1 million population). The majority of those included adults aged 35 to 64 years (n=1,681, 75.7%), and were predominantly men (n=1,696, 76.4%).

Moreover, 67.5% (n=1,500) of the deaths were among non-Hispanic whites, but the highest age-adjusted death rate was observed in American Indians/Alaska Natives (49.1 per 1 million), according to data.

They also assessed the age-adjusted rate of alcohol poisoning deaths in each state, and reported that 20 states had alcohol poisoning death rates greater than the overall national rate of 8.8 per 1 million. They ranged from 5.3 per 1 million in Alabama to 46.5 per 1 million in Alaska, according to data.

“This study shows that alcohol poisoning deaths are not just a problem among young people,” Robert Brewer, MD, MSPH, coauthor and alcohol program lead of the CDC, said in the press release. “It also emphasizes the importance of taking a comprehensive approach to reducing binge drinking that includes evidence-based community strategies, screening and counseling in healthcare settings, and high-quality substance abuse treatment for those who need it.”

The researchers suggest regulating the availability of alcohol in a given geographic location, and taking steps to stop illegal sales to prevent excessive or binge drinking and reduce these deaths.