Alcohol Killing At High Rate Record Deaths

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Alcohol Killing Americans At Record High Rates, Says New Study - More Americans died from alcohol abuse last year than in 35 years, according to new findings, which showed that more than 30,700 people died in the United States in 2014 from alcohol-related causes, such as poisoning and cirrhosis. There were 9.6 deaths from alcohol for every 100,000 Americans last year -- a rate that has increased 37 percent since 2002.

The data does not account for those killed in drunken driving accidents or other homicides where alcohol was involved. Duke University professor Phillip J. Cook told the Washington Post that alcohol consumption per capita has been on the rise since the late 1990s.

"Since the prevalence of heavy drinking tends to follow closely with per capita consumption, it is likely that one explanation for the growth in alcohol-related deaths is that more people are drinking more," Cook told the Washington Post.

National Prevalence of Alcohol Abuse

Alcohol Dependency × Rate 12 to 17 Yrs. 18 to 25 Yrs. 26 to 44 Yrs. 45 to 64 Yrs. 65 Yrs. & Older 18 to 25 Yrs. Rate 13%

Source: Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.  Alcohol dependency was diagnosed using DSM-IV criteria. Heavy alcohol use was defined as drinking five or more drinks on the same occasion on each of 5 or more days in the past 30 days. Treatment measured as past-year treatment for alcohol use among individuals with alcohol dependence or abuse. Data from the 2014 Behavioral Health Barometer

Women have reported to be drinking more regularly in recent years. The rate of women drinking at least once a month increased from 47.9 percent in 2002 to 51.9 percent in 2014. Binge drinking is also on the rise with women -- 17.4 percent of women reported drinking five or more drinks on at least one occasion in 2014, up from 15.7 percent in 2002.