DRINKING ALCOHOL EXCESSIVELY

Excessive alcohol consumption is a significant public health issue, linked to a range of health risks such as liver disease, addiction, and some forms of dementia. Between 1999 and 2022, overall rates of excessive drinking increased slightly across all age groups, and older age remained associated with lower excessive drinking rates overall. However, recently there has been a great increase in the rate of excessive drinking among adults 75 and older.

While females have consistently reported lower rates of excessive drinking compared to males, the increase in excessive alcohol use between 1999 and 2022 has been more pronounced among females. Notably, young adult males, ages 25-44, did not experience a statistically significant increase in excessive drinking during the latter part of this period.

Marital status also plays a role, with married individuals generally drinking less than their unmarried counterparts, and younger unmarried individuals exhibiting the highest rates of excessive alcohol consumption. These trends highlight the need for targeted public health interventions, particularly those focused on younger, unmarried individuals and the emerging concern of increased excessive drinking among older adults.