Excessive alcohol drinking drove about 488 deaths per day during the pandemic, CDC says

Surge in Alcohol-Related Deaths: The United States experienced a significant increase in alcohol-related deaths during the pandemic, averaging 488 per day in 2020-21.

Rise Across Demographics: This surge affected all age groups, with a notable increase observed among women, indicating a broad societal impact.

Contributing Factors: Stress, isolation, and permissive alcohol policies enacted during the pandemic are highlighted as key contributors to the rise in excessive drinking and related fatalities.

Call for Policy Action: The CDC recommends implementing policies to restrict alcohol access and increase its price as potential measures to mitigate excessive drinking and its consequences.

Long-standing Trend: The increase in alcohol-related deaths observed during the pandemic reflects a broader, two-decade-long trend of rising alcohol-related harm in the United States, underscoring the need for sustained public health interventions.