Epidemiology

Harmful use of alcohol causes an estimated 5.3% of all deaths globally.[6]​ The prevalence of binge drinking is increasing.[7]​ Nearly one in six Americans binge drinks weekly.[8]​ Over 25% of the European population reports heavy episodic drinking (defined as ≥60 g of alcohol on ≥1 occasion at least once per month).[6]​ In 2012-2013, the 12-month prevalence of alcohol-use disorder in the US was 13.9%, and the lifetime prevalence of alcohol-use disorder was 29.1%.[7]​ Male sex, white race, and comorbid mental health disorders are associated with increased risk of alcohol-use disorder.[7]​ 

Alcohol-related mortality has increased across age and racial/ethnic groups, with the largest increases among younger age groups.[9]​​ Data show that these trends continued and accelerated due to the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly among women: in one survey, drinking days increased slightly overall, and there was a 41% increase in unhealthy alcohol use among women.[10]

Though alcohol is the seventh leading cause of disability and death worldwide and effective treatments can help reduce harm, fewer than 1 in 5 Americans with an alcohol-use disorder receives any form of treatment.​[7][11]

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