A new study published in JAMA Network on July 28 reveals that the gap in alcohol-related deaths between males and females is narrowing. Historically, males have been more than twice as likely to die from alcohol-related conditions compared to females. However, researchers from Hofstra University, Harvard Medical School, and the University of South Carolina found that alcohol-related mortality has been rising for both genders, with a sharper increase among females. Between 2018 and 2020, the mortality rate for men increased by 12.5%, while the rate for women increased by 14.7%. The most significant increase was observed in the last three years of the study. This trend remained even after excluding data from the first year of the pandemic.

Dr. Shana Johnson, a physical medicine and rehabilitation physician, expressed concern about the higher mortality increase among females, stating that women experience greater health consequences from drinking alcohol compared to men. The deaths analyzed in the study were linked to various alcohol-related conditions such as poisoning, gastritis, cardiomyopathy, liver disease, and pseudo-Cushing syndrome, among others. The study authors noted that the changing patterns of alcohol consumption among women are an important factor in understanding these trends. Women are now drinking alcohol at higher amounts and frequencies, potentially due to the normalization of alcohol use for females in society.

One potential reason for the increased drinking rates among women is the rise in stress levels and stress-related disorders in recent years. Chronic stress may lead to increased alcohol use as a coping mechanism. Physical factors also contribute to the higher mortality risk among women, including a higher percentage of body fat and a lower percentage of body water compared to men. These factors result in higher alcohol blood concentrations and potentially increased vulnerability to complications. Other factors such as hormonal fluctuations, slower alcohol metabolism, and higher susceptibility to organ damage also contribute to the higher mortality risk among women.

The study had some limitations, as it did not explore specific factors contributing to alcohol-related deaths or examine trends among specific age groups. It also did not consider historical or generational factors. Additionally, there was not enough mortality data for females aged 15 to 24 to establish a trend for that age group.

Earlier this year, the World Health Organization (WHO) released a statement emphasizing that there is no safe amount of alcohol consumption. Alcohol is a toxic and dependence-producing substance that can cause various types of cancer. In the United States, alcohol is the fourth-leading preventable cause of mortality, resulting in over 140,000 deaths each year.

The study's findings highlight the need for reevaluating alcohol consumption and reducing the associated risks. Experts recommend evaluating one's alcohol usage, creating a plan to cut down or quit, and seeking professional help if necessary. Older adults should consider factors such as deteriorating social interactions, decreased exercise, and increased risk of falls as indicators of problematic drinking. Taking a few days off from drinking can also help assess one's relationship with alcohol. Ultimately, it's important to consider the net impact that alcohol has on one's life and make choices that prioritize overall well-being.