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
- Alcohol Most Commonly Used Substance Alcohol is the most commonly used substance in the United States.
- 37% Alcohol Treatment In 2024, 37% of individuals receiving treatment overseen by OASAS were treated for primary substance of alcohol.
- Medication Effective Treatment 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 2024 Data
Total Alcohol-Related Deaths
A total of 1,745 New Yorkers died from direct, alcohol-related causes.
2024 Had the Fewest Deaths in the Last Five-Year Period
Alcohol-related deaths peaked in 2022. Between 2022-2024, the number of alcohol-related deaths in NYS decreased by 13%.
Lower Rate Than the National Average
New York’s alcohol-related death rate was lower than the U.S. rate of 13.7 per 100,000.
Alcohol-Related Deaths in NYS, 2020 to 2024
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 6,955 deaths among males, while females accounted for 2,406 deaths.
55% of Deaths Occurred Among Ages 45 to 64
Those aged 55 to 64 accounted for 32%, while individuals aged 45 to 54 represented 23% of the total alcohol-related deaths.
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.