Deadly Trend: Alcohol-Related Deaths Spike in the US Over Two Decades

From the late 90’s and through the two decades, alcohol related deaths reached an alarming rate in the United States, which has a strong impact on health and safety of the nation. The effects of drinking go beyond the increased acute alcohol poisoning to the growing number of liver diseases and accidents, hence there is no doubt that high rates of alcohol consumption are liable to cause large numbers of deaths. In this paper we will cover the causes of rise in the number of alcohol related deaths, examine the impact of it and as well put together options for preventing and dealing with this situation.

Understanding the Rise in Alcohol-Related Deaths

The America’s increase in death by alcohol consumption can be traced to several reasons, the foremost being change in drinking rituals, cultural trending towards alcohol consumption and societal aspects which have a significant impact. While the alcohol consumption has always been a part of American culture, more and more problems with alcohol marked by its negative consequences have appeared recently due to the swing in social attitudes and behaviors toward drinking as a result.

There is a crucial element that contributes to the surge of alcohol-related deaths having to do with an ever present alcohol availability and accessibility. The increasing number of bars, restaurants and liquor stores which fast become alcohol hubs and the use of eye-catching marketing strategy by alcohol companies have propelled the involvement of the masses in alcohol consumption. The accessibility nowadays has been the contributor to the heavy or binge drinking frequency thus, these people giving the alcohol related depth.

Besides economic factors, job availability, financial burdens, and economic deterioration among others greatly influence alcohol abuse and addiction there by causing the increase in alcohol death. People under financial stress might resort to the use of alcohol to self-medicate and within this is a daunting prospect that it leads to alcohol induced diseases right up to alcohol induced deaths.

Consequences of Alcohol-Related Deaths

Alcohol related-deaths cause far reaching turmoil that spreads much further than the face of a person’s death, which touches the very texture of families, societies or the biggest community itself. Alcohol-related fatalities can result from various causes, including:Alcohol-related deadly cases of different classes like below are examples

• Alcohol poisoning: The existence of people who take big amount of alcohol is generally, they delay the speed of absorption alcohol by the body that in turn it is going to alcohol poisoning and ultimately fatal outcomes.
• Liver disease: Continuing the abuse of alcohol can fail to the liver. You can have alcoholic hepatitis, liver cirrhosis, and cancer of the liver which are the conditions and they are can kill you if they are not treated on time.=
• Accidents and injuries: Alcohol reduces the ability to make a sound judgment, to control automatically and to react fast, so the chance is increasing to have an accident, unattended falls and injury, for example, motor vehicle accident, drowning and falling from height.
• Violence and self-harm: Alcohol increases the risk of violence between individuals, with domestic violence, assault and homicide among the most notable manifestations. Furthermore, people who are impaired by the alcohol may have the chances of doing the self-harm or the committing the suicide.

Alcohol-induced deaths leave in their wake a trail of destruction that spike increases the burden on healthcare systems, law enforcement agencies, and social networks. And so aside from the economic prices connected to mortality, which include medical bills, lost productivity and legal costs, these continue to increase dramatically.

Strategies for Prevention and Intervention

A comprehensive and unified strategy involving the partnership of the government bodies, healthcare providers, law enforcement and community groups is essential to confront the growing incidences of alcohol deaths. undefined

• Public education and awareness: By way of targeted educations campaigns, school-based programs, and community outreach efforts, the society will be enlightened on the adverse impacts of excessive drinking.
• Alcohol pricing and taxation: Implementing the policies which lead to an elevated price of alcohol through taxation or minimum pricing laws have a great chance to reduce the level of alcohol use and associated harms through making alcohol not so affordable and accessible.
• Access to treatment and support services: The extension of access to science-based treatment options and support programs for people with alcohol misuse and addiction problems is required, i.e, counseling, medication-assisted treatment, and peer support groups.
• Enforcement of alcohol policies: To reduce the underage drinking, drunk driving, and other alcohol-related offenses the existing laws and regulations that govern alcohol sales, marketing and serving practices should be made more stringent in terms of enforcement.’

Promoting Responsible Drinking and Harm Reduction

In the end, promoting alcohol responsibility with harm reduction precautions is considered to be crucial for reducing number of alcohol-related fatalities in the US. This involves promoting sobriety, the putting of restrictions on the excessive drinking , avoidance of hazardous behavior and asking for assistance when needed. Fostering supportive environments that promotes being physically active, inculcating human bonds, and finding alternative activity can help in reducing addiction to alcohol and prevention of alcohol related harm.

Conclusion

To conclude, high alcohol mortality rate in the Over the past two decades, the US has become a growing public health problem. We can try to tackle the exact factors that cause alcohol consumption exceeding the permitted limits, and come up with appropriate interventions and prevention plans. Ultimately, this will contribute towards decreasing the number of alcohol related accidents and a safer environment for everyone to live.