New research reveals alarming increases among young adults and women—and what comprehensive treatment can do to help
Alcohol-induced deaths in the United States have nearly doubled over the past 25 years, with particularly alarming increases among young adults and women, according to new research published in PLOS Global Public Health. The findings reveal a public health crisis that accelerated during the COVID-19 pandemic and remains elevated today.
The Numbers Are Stark
The comprehensive analysis examined CDC data from 1999 to 2024 and found an 89% increase in alcohol-induced deaths over this period. Deaths peaked at 54,258 in 2021—during the height of the pandemic—and while they’ve decreased slightly since then, 2024 rates remain 11% higher than pre-pandemic levels.
“While we expected increases during the pandemic, the magnitude and persistence of alcohol-induced deaths were quite striking,” noted Dr. Maria R. D’Orsogna, assistant adjunct professor at UCLA and lead researcher on the study.
The primary causes were alcoholic liver disease and alcohol-related mental and behavioral disorders—conditions that develop over time, suggesting a long-term pattern of heavy drinking intensifying across the population.
Young Women Face the Greatest Risk
The most alarming finding: alcohol-induced deaths among women aged 25 to 34 surged by 255% between 1999 and 2024—the highest increase of any demographic group. Men in the same age group experienced a 188% increase.
This dramatic shift in drinking patterns and outcomes among younger women represents what researchers call “a major cause for concern” and signals changing social norms, drinking behaviors, and potentially different biological vulnerabilities that warrant immediate attention.
The study also highlighted severe racial disparities. Native American and Alaska Native populations experienced death rates three to four times higher than white populations—disparities that reflect complex intersections of historical trauma, socioeconomic factors, and limited access to treatment.
The Pandemic’s Lasting Impact
Social isolation, economic uncertainty, and increased stress during COVID-19 clearly accelerated drinking. However, the persistence of elevated death rates into 2024—well after restrictions lifted—suggests deeper roots than temporary pandemic stressors.
“The rise in drinking and related mortality during the COVID-19 pandemic suggests that social isolation played a significant role,” D’Orsogna explained. “I think it is important that as a society we try to promote meaningful social interactions, support networks, reduce the prevalence of solitary drinking and most of all make sure that everyone feels they have purpose and value.”
Understanding the Full Scope
These numbers likely underestimate alcohol’s true toll. The study focused on deaths directly caused by conditions like alcoholic liver disease and alcohol poisoning, not chronic illnesses related to long-term use such as certain cancers and cardiovascular disease.
The researchers also noted the importance of examining alcohol-induced deaths alongside drug overdoses and suicides, as these outcomes often share common socioeconomic drivers. This interconnection suggests that effective interventions must address broader mental health and social support needs, not just alcohol use in isolation.
How Comprehensive Treatment Addresses This Crisis
At Seasons in Malibu, our clinical team recognizes that the rising mortality rates reflect the complex, multifaceted nature of alcohol use disorder—and why individualized, comprehensive treatment is essential.
Dr. Matthew Goldenberg, who is double board-certified in psychiatry and addiction psychiatry, serves as a clinical instructor at UCLA and assistant professor of psychiatry at Cedars Sinai Medical Center. His expertise in evaluating and treating co-occurring mental health disorders is central to Seasons’ approach. Research consistently shows that conditions like depression, anxiety, and PTSD often drive or exacerbate alcohol use, making integrated psychiatric care essential—not optional—for successful treatment outcomes.
Dr. Jennifer Tippett, a licensed clinical forensic psychologist trained in the harm reduction model, brings a complementary perspective that recognizes people are at different stages of readiness for change. “Meeting people where they are and providing individualized guidance is crucial for promoting mental wellness and reducing harmful drinking behaviors,” she explains. This philosophy shapes how Seasons approaches each client’s unique circumstances and needs.
What Effective Treatment Looks Like
The research findings underscore the need for treatment programs that address multiple dimensions of alcohol use disorder:
Medical Care: Safe detoxification to manage withdrawal symptoms, with ongoing medical monitoring for conditions like liver disease that may have developed from long-term use.
Psychiatric Treatment: Comprehensive evaluation and treatment of co-occurring mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, PTSD, and trauma that often underlie or accompany alcohol use disorder.
Evidence-Based Therapy: Approaches like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, and EMDR to develop healthier coping mechanisms, process trauma, and build skills for lasting recovery.
Individualized Planning: Recognition that each person’s relationship with alcohol, underlying causes, and path to recovery is unique—requiring personalized treatment strategies rather than one-size-fits-all programs.
Aftercare Support: Ongoing care to maintain recovery, prevent relapse, and continue building the skills and connections necessary for long-term wellness.
The Path Forward
The 89% increase in alcohol-induced deaths over 25 years represents tens of thousands of lives lost and families devastated. The persistence of elevated death rates despite the end of pandemic restrictions signals that this crisis requires sustained, comprehensive action.
D’Orsogna recommends that alcohol “should be consumed sparingly, with an emphasis on quality and not quantity. A glass of wine enhances social connection and complements meals and should not be seen as a means to cope with stress, and certainly not for intoxication.”
For those who have developed problematic relationships with alcohol, however, professional treatment offers hope. The research makes clear that alcohol-induced mortality is not inevitable. With evidence-based treatment that addresses the physical, psychological, and social aspects of addiction, recovery is possible.
When to Seek Help
If you or someone you love is struggling with alcohol use, these warning signs suggest professional help may be needed:
- Using alcohol to cope with stress, loneliness, or emotional pain
- Increasing tolerance—needing more alcohol to achieve the same effect
- Unsuccessful attempts to cut back or stop drinking
- Continued drinking despite negative consequences to health, relationships, or work
- Withdrawal symptoms when not drinking
Recovery is possible, and comprehensive treatment programs that address not just the drinking itself but the underlying factors that drive it offer the best outcomes.
At Seasons in Malibu, we provide individualized, evidence-based treatment for alcohol use disorder in a supportive environment. Our expert team addresses the physical, psychological, and social dimensions of addiction to help clients build lasting recovery. If you’d like to learn more about our approach or discuss treatment options, we’re here to help.
Sources:
– Wong T, et al. Alcohol-induced deaths in the United States across age, race, gender, geography, and the COVID-19 pandemic. PLOS Global Public Health. 2025;5(9):e0004623.
– EurekAlert! Rates of alcohol-induced deaths among the general population nearly doubled from 1999 to 2024. September 17, 2025.
