ALCOHOL POISONING DEATHS ALCOHOL POISONING DEATHS
CENTER FOR DISEASE CONTROL

Alcohol Poisoning Deaths A deadly consequence of binge drinking January 2015

6 a day

An average of 6 people die of alcohol poisoning each day in the US.

3 in 4

76% of alcohol poisoning deaths are among adults ages 35 to 64.

76%

About 76% of those who die from alcohol poisoning are men.

On average, 6 people died every day from alcohol poisoning in the US from 2010 to 2012. Alcohol poisoning is caused by drinking large quantities of alcohol in a short period of time. Very high levels of alcohol in the body can shutdown critical areas of the brain that control breathing, heart rate, and body temperature, resulting in death. Alcohol poisoning deaths affect people of all ages but are most common among middle-aged adults and men.

States and communities can take steps to reduce alcohol poisoning deaths by preventing binge drinking, including:

Partnering with police, community groups, health departments, and doctors, nurses, and other health care providers to reduce binge drinking and related harms. Tracking the role of alcohol in injuries and deaths. Supporting proven programs and policies that decrease binge drinking. States with stronger alcohol policies have less binge drinking.