Understanding and Addressing Alcohol-Related Deaths in NYS
Help and Support for Alcohol Use Disorder is Available
Understanding the scope of alcohol-related deaths in New York is a key component of developing and providing data-driven prevention, treatment, harm reduction, and recovery services focused on alcohol use disorder (AUD). Understanding the data is just the beginning. If you or someone you know is facing challenges with alcohol use, reach out to the 24/7 HOPEline for help. There are treatment options and support available to guide you on your recovery journey.
The Prevalence of Alcohol Use Disorder
Understanding the Scope
Most Commonly Used Substance
Alcohol is the most commonly used substance in the United States. 1
Alcohol Treatment
In 2023, 36.4% of individuals receiving treatment overseen by OASAS were treated for a primary substance of alcohol.
Effective Treatments Available
There are effective treatments for alcohol use disorder, including U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved medications.
Overview of Alcohol-Related Deaths in NYS
A Closer Look at 2023 Data
Total Alcohol-Related Deaths
A total of 1,829 New Yorkers died from direct, alcohol-related causes.
Fewer Deaths in 2023, But More Than in 2019
The number of alcohol-related deaths in NYS in 2023 was 9% lower than in 2022, but 16% higher than 2019.
Lower Rate Than the National Average
New York's alcohol-related death rate was lower than the U.S. rate of 14.4 per 100,000.
Alcohol-Related Deaths in NYS, 2019 to 2023
Who's Most Affected
Highest Rates Among White and Hispanic Groups
Trends in the rate of alcohol-related deaths remained relatively the same within race and ethnicity groups.
74% of Deaths Occurred Among Males
There were 6,828 deaths among males, while females accounted for 2,369 deaths.
56% of Deaths Occurred Among Ages 45 to 64
Those aged 55 to 64 accounted for 33% of these deaths, while individuals aged 45 to 54 represented 23% of the total.
References
The data outlined above is for deaths of New York State residents where alcohol is identified as an underlying cause of death. The underlying cause-of-death is defined as "the disease or injury which initiated the train of events leading directly to death, or the circumstances of the accident or violence which produced the fatal injury.2” Each death represents one person. In addition to being the direct cause of death, alcohol can also contribute to other causes of death, such as cancer or heart disease. Visit the CDC website to learn more about the wider scope of alcohol-attributable deaths in NYS.