Surge in Alcohol-Related Deaths: MUSC Alcohol Research Leader Reiterates Grave Concerns

Surge in Alcohol-Related Deaths: MUSC Alcohol Research Leader Reiterates Grave Concerns

In a concerning development, new research from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reveals an increasing number of fatalities caused by excessive alcohol consumption. Howard Becker, Ph.D., the director of the Medical University of South Carolina’s (MUSC) Charleston Alcohol Research Center, and president of the national Research Society on Alcohol, expresses his hopes that these latest figures will instigate a necessary review of drinking habits.

CDC Reports Significant Increase in Alcohol-Related Deaths

In the United States, approximately 178,000 people died due to excessive alcohol use each year between 2020 and 2021. This figure represents a near 30% increase in comparison to the estimate from four years prior. Excessive drinking is reported to have shortened the lives of the victims by an average of 23 years.

According to Dr. Becker, the rise in these numbers isn’t surprising considering the pervasiveness of loneliness and anxiety stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic. These negative emotional states often result in individuals resorting to alcohol as a coping mechanism, leading to increased alcohol consumption and misuse.

Alcohol Consumption: A Greater Threat Than Known

More individuals succumb to alcohol-related causes each year than any other substance use-related fatalities. Despite the alarming rates of the opioid epidemic, alcohol-induced deaths are still considerably larger in quantity. Additionally, alcohol consumption is a significant factor contributing to opioid overdoses. The two substances combined can produce lethal results.

In a shocking revelation, alcohol has surpassed Hepatitis C as the leading cause for liver transplants in the U.S. The predominant demographic needing a liver transplant due to alcohol-related causes has considerably shifted to individuals aged between 30 to 45, which is alarmingly younger than previous decades.

Categories of Alcohol-Related Deaths

The CDC report segments the deaths from excessive alcohol consumption into two primary categories. About two-thirds of these deaths are attributed to chronic conditions such as cancer, heart disease, and liver disease stemming from heavy drinking. The remaining third results from acute instances of overconsumption, leading to accidents, poisonings, and suicides.

The lockdown measures during the pandemic exacerbated the drinking habits of many as they switched to consuming alcohol at home, devoid of any external checks on their consumption, leading to increased instances of harmful drinking.

MUSC’s Efforts Towards Mitigating Alcohol Misuse

Dr. Becker and his team at the Alcohol Research Center at MUSC are tirelessly seeking to discover new medications and alternative treatment options to help individuals struggling with alcohol use disorder.

Their work emphasizes the chronic nature of the condition and treats it as a brain disorder rather than a lifestyle issue. By understanding the biological and genetic variables involved in addiction, the team hopes to discover effective solutions that can help manage cravings and enhance control over impulses to consume alcohol.

Individuals expressing concerns about their alcohol consumption are encouraged to seek help. Numerous resources, including MUSC’s Alcohol Research Center website, provide valuable insights to assess and manage harmful levels of drinking.

The CDC recommends a daily limit of two and one drink for men and women, respectively. However, for those who experience difficulty limiting their consumption, the risk of engaging in harmful levels of drinking escalates, posing considerable threats to their overall health and well-being.