Key points from article :
A new study led by Dr. Brian Lee, a hepatologist at Keck Medicine of the University of Southern California, reveals that alcohol-related liver disease (ARLD) in the U.S. has more than doubled over the past two decades. The research provides the first detailed demographic breakdown of heavy drinkers and their connection to liver disease since the 1990s. Despite stable national drinking rates outside the COVID-19 pandemic, liver disease and deaths from it have surged, with over 51,600 deaths recorded in 2020 alone.
The study identifies four groups now making up a larger share of heavy drinkers: women, adults aged 45 and older, individuals living in poverty, and people with metabolic syndrome—a cluster of conditions including high blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar. These groups are at increased risk of liver damage when exposed to alcohol. Researchers analyzed data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey from 1999 to 2020 to reach their conclusions.
Experts suggest the rise in heavy drinking among these groups may reflect shifting social norms and limited awareness. For example, it has become more socially acceptable for women to drink as much as men, and older adults may be less aware of alcohol’s long-term health risks. The pandemic also appeared to play a role, with Lee’s earlier 2024 study noting a spike in heavy drinking during and after peak COVID-19 stress.
The findings serve as a warning to healthcare professionals and policymakers. Lee emphasized that the changing profile of American heavy drinkers should guide updated screening and treatment strategies. With liver-related deaths and alcohol-related cancer deaths both doubling, the study underscores an urgent need for targeted interventions in these high-risk groups.
