[US] Alcohol Poisoning Deaths

[Chip (OP)]

source: https://www.cdc.gov/vitalsigns/alcohol-poisoning-deaths/index.html

(an excerpt)

Alcohol Poisoning Deaths

January 2015

A deadly consequence of binge drinking

• 6 a day - An average of 6 people die of alcohol poisoning each day in the US.
• 3 in 4 people - 76% of alcohol poisoning deaths are among adults ages 35 to 64.
• About 76% of those who die from alcohol poisoning are men.

On average, 6 people died every day from alcohol poisoning in the US from 2010 to 2012. Alcohol poisoning is caused by drinking large quantities of alcohol in a short period of time. Very high levels of alcohol in the body can shutdown critical areas of the brain that control breathing, heart rate, and body temperature, resulting in death. Alcohol poisoning deaths affect people of all ages but are most common among middle-aged adults and men.

States and communities can take steps to reduce alcohol poisoning deaths by preventing binge drinking, including:

• Partnering with police, community groups, health departments, and doctors, nurses, and other health care providers to reduce binge drinking and related harms.
• Tracking the role of alcohol in injuries and deaths.
• Supporting proven programs and policies that decrease binge drinking. States with stronger alcohol policies have less binge drinking.

There are 2,200 alcohol poisoning deaths in the US each year.

Alcohol poisoning deaths:

• Most people who die are 35-64 years old.
• Most people who die are men.
• Most alcohol poisoning deaths are among non- Hispanic whites. Although a smaller share of the US population, American Indians/Alaska Natives have the most alcohol poisoning deaths per million people of any of the races.
• Alaska has the most alcohol poisoning deaths per million people, while Alabama has the least.
• Alcohol dependence (alcoholism) was identified as a factor in 30% of alcohol poisoning deaths.

Binge drinking can lead to death from alcohol poisoning.

• Binge drinking (4 or more drinks for women or 5 or more drinks for men in a short period of time) typically leads to a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) that exceeds 0.08 g/dL, the legal limit for driving in all states.
• US adults who binge drink consume an average of about 8 drinks per binge, which can result in even higher levels of alcohol in the body.
• The more you drink the greater your risk of death.

The full article can be found at the source link.