Booze Causing Rising Deaths on the Highways And Other Places
Novemberrr 22, 2024 6:00 am | 2 min read
Photo: NIPYATA! via Unsplash | Columbia
County Observer graphic
By Trimmel Gomes | Public
New Service
FLORIDA – A recent study from Florida Atlantic University highlights a concerning rise in alcohol-related deaths across the United States, with mortality rates nearly doubling between 1999 and 2020.
The findings point to significant public health challenges, particularly among younger age groups and in the South.
Dr. Charles H. Hennekens, professor of medicine and preventive medicine at Florida Atlantic University and the study's co-author, analyzed data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's "WONDER" database.
"There was a doubling of the mortality from alcohol-related deaths that we saw at all ages," Hennekens reported. "The most alarming spike, nearly fourfold, was in those 25 to 34 years of age."
Alcohol-related deaths skyrocketed
The
number of alcohol-related deaths skyrocketed
from just over 19,000 to nearly 49,000.
Experts said the findings should be a
wake-up call for Florida, where nightlife
and tourism are key drivers of the economy.
Hennekens urged health care providers to
step up screening for alcohol use and
educate patients about the dangers.
Hennekens stresses rising rates of obesity and diabetes exacerbate the problem, highlighting one immediate effect of excessive alcohol consumption is liver damage, which can lead to cirrhosis and liver cancer.
"This also contributes to early liver damage," Hennekens pointed out. "These two deleterious effects may be additive or perhaps even synergistic and may contribute to greater and earlier onset of alcohol-related mortality."
While moderate alcohol consumption, defined as up to one drink per day for women and two for men, may have some benefits, Hennekens cautioned against misconceptions. He explained it doesn't matter whether it is a glass of wine, a shot of liquor, or one beer, it is about the quantity, not the type.
People who drink moderate to large amounts have the highest risk of premature mortality and morbidity.
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