The CDC report notes that 38 million American adults report binge drinking four times per month on average, consuming an average of eight drinks per binge.
Alcohol poisoning is caused by drinking an excessive amount of alcohol in a short period of time. Very high levels of alcohol in the body can result in death if critical areas of the brain responsible for controlling breathing, heart rate and body temperature shut down.
Life-threatening signs of alcohol poisoning include:
- Inability to wake up
- Vomiting
- Slow breathing (fewer than eight breaths per minute)
- Irregular breathing (10 seconds or more between breaths)
- Seizures
- Hypothermia (low body temperature), bluish skin color, paleness.
"The more you drink," remind the the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), " the greater your risk of death."
76% of people who die from alcohol poisoning are male
Using multiple cause-of-death data from the National Vital Statistics System for 2010-2012, the CDC researchers analyzed deaths from alcohol poisoning among people aged 15 and older.
The researchers report that three quarters of alcohol poisoning deaths occur among adults aged 35-64 years. Men are much more likely to die from alcohol poisoning than women - 76% of those who died from alcohol poisoning in the CDC's study were male.
While this study reveals alcohol poisoning deaths to be a bigger problem than had previously been estimated, the figures reported by the study are likely to be an underestimate:
"This study shows that alcohol poisoning deaths are not just a problem among young people.It also emphasizes the importance of taking a comprehensive approach to reducing binge drinking that includes evidence-based community strategies, screening and counseling in health care settings, and high-quality substance abuse treatment for those who need it."
Non-Hispanic white people accounted for the majority of the deaths overall, but Native Americans/Alaska Natives were found to have the highest number of alcohol poisoning deaths per million people.
CDC tips for avoiding alcohol poisoning
- Avoid binge drinking. If you choose to drink, do so in moderation - up to one drink a day for women or up to two drinks a day for men
- Avoid drinks with unknown alcohol content or mixing alcohol with energy drinks. Caffeine can mask alcohol's effects and cause people to drink more than they intend
- Talk to your doctor, nurse, or other health care provider if you think you may have a drinking problem, or call the national Treatment Referral Routing Service (1-800-662-HELP).
The Great Plains, western United States and New England were the regions of the US with the highest death rates. Alcohol poisoning death rates varied across states, from 46.5 deaths per million residents in Alaska to 5.3 per million residents in Alabama.
The team found that alcohol dependence was a contributing factor in 30% of these deaths from alcohol poisoning. Other drugs were found to be a factor in about 3% of the deaths.
The CDC report also notes that 38 million American adults report binge drinking four times per month on average, consuming an average of eight drinks per binge.
Alcohol poisoning deaths are a heartbreaking reminder of the dangers of excessive alcohol use, which is a leading cause of preventable deaths in the USA.
In fact, effective programs and policies are necessary to prevent binge drinking and the many health and social harms that are related to it, including deaths from alcohol poisoning.
References:
1. CDC Vital Signs: alcohol poisoning deaths fact sheet, accessed 6 January 2014.
2. CDC news release, accessed 6 January 2014.
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