The Rise of Alcohol-Related Deaths in America
There has been a troubling rise in alcohol-related deaths across the United States of America. This trend began during the COVID-19 pandemic when many experienced isolation and an upheaval in their everyday lives. More people are turning to alcohol as a coping mechanism than ever, and the fallout of this is severe, leading to many fatalities. But there is hope when you find a supportive environment and people who understand your struggles. In this blog, we will discuss why there is a rise in alcohol-related deaths and how to help yourself or your loved ones.
If you or a loved one need an environment to help from alcohol addiction, consider the sober living homes offered at The Sanctuary Recovery Foundation. Contact us to learn more about our proven track record of helping people find a sober and fulfilling life.
Alcohol-Related Deaths Grows
There have been recent studies to show that there is a rise in alcohol-related deaths across America. One study measured that between 2019 and 2020, fatalities jumped by 25%, from 78,927 to 99,017 deaths. And this trend is not slowing down, with 10% more fatalities in 2021, or 108,791 deaths. The study shows what an incredible crisis we are in as a nation, where 3.2% of deaths for people over the age of 16 in 2021 alone were attributed to alcohol.
COVID-19’s Impact on Alcohol Consumption
Unfortunately, with the recent pandemic still only a couple of years behind us, we get to see in real time how stress and isolation affect alcohol consumption. There was a surge in alcohol sales of 2.9%, which is the largest in 50 years or more. This has led to an increase in health complications like liver disease, alcohol poisoning, and fatal accidents.
Demographic Shifts in Alcohol-Related Deaths
Both women and men have been affected by this change and have seen an increase in fatalities. However, there is a slightly more significant rise in issues among women than men. Deaths related to alcohol consumption increased by 27% in men but a whopping 35% in women. Seeing these stats tells us that we need to take slightly different approaches to interventions for women and men, as perhaps there are unique factors that impact each group differently.
The Role of Sober Housing
Sober homes and 12-step programs are becoming ever more critical to help address this epidemic of alcohol-related deaths. These programs and tools can help people in times of crisis find a way to hold onto their lives, their jobs, their families, and support while coming home to a supportive environment where no alcohol is available. Ultimately, the root cause of alcohol misuse needs to be addressed, like stress, mental health issues, and, worst of all, social isolation. These programs and homes can help people look at how these factors affect them and make the right changes to stay on their sober journey.
Addressing the Alcohol Crisis in America
Programs that support people in their sober journey are more important than ever, and sober homes can keep you or your loved ones away from any triggers involving alcohol. When we address this crisis head-on, we can reduce how many deaths there are related to alcohol and get people the help they desperately need. At The Sanctuary Foundation, we understand the importance of the 12-step program and offer support in a sober house in South Carolina. If this sounds like a good fit for you, contact us today.
