Trends in alcohol–related deaths in the United States over 55 years

Alcohol consumption is a leading cause of preventable mortality worldwide. Researchers examined long-term trends in alcohol-related deaths in the United States over 55 years (1968–2023) and analysed demographic disparities.
Using CDC WONDER data, alcohol-related deaths among adults aged ≥ 25 years were identified. Age-adjusted mortality rates (AAMRs) per 100,000 population were calculated, and join point regression analysed temporal trends by sex, race, age, and geographic region.
From 1968 to 2023, 1,321,804 alcohol-related deaths occurred. Age-adjusted mortality rates increased from 13.1 to 19.3 (AAPC: 0.7), with a sharp acceleration during 2018–2021 (APC: 14.1) followed by a decline during 2021–2023 (APC: −6.9). Males consistently had higher mortality than females, though the gender gap narrowed. A striking racial inversion occurred: mortality among Black individuals declined from 27.7 to 13.5 (AAPC: −1.4), while mortality among White individuals increased from 11.3 to 21.1 (AAPC: 1.1) with older adults (65+) showing the steepest long-term increase (AAPC: 1.4). Regionally, the Midwest experienced the greatest rise in mortality (AAPC: 1.4), while the Northeast remained stable.
Alcohol-related mortality has increased substantially over 55 years, with profound demographic shifts including a complete racial disparity inversion and narrowing gender gap. Recent declines (2021–2023) offer cautious optimism, but sustained, targeted interventions are needed for high-risk populations.
Source: M. Zulfiqar, M. S. Uddin, F. Abbas, et al. 2026. Trends in Alcohol–Related Deaths in the United States Over 55 Years: 1968–2023. Alcohol: Clinical and Experimental Research 50, no. 7: e70321. https://doi.org/10.1111/acer.70321.