Policies play a crucial role in curbing alcohol misuse. Learn about what interventions or policies work to prevent alcohol misuse.

• The Economic Impact of Excessive Alcohol Consumption in Texas, 2018

  • This research examines the financial and public health impact of excessive alcohol consumption in Texas. It also explores the potential benefits of raising alcohol excise taxes by a dime per drink, which could generate significant revenue and reduce alcohol-related harm, such as underage drinking, traffic deaths, and other incidents.

• The World Health Organization Interventions, 2019

  • The WHO SAFER interventions showcase key strategies to reduce harmful alcohol use, including strengthening restrictions on alcohol availability, enforcing drink-driving laws, and increasing access to treatment. It also highlights the effectiveness of banning alcohol advertising, raising alcohol prices through excise taxes, and promoting public health policies to protect vulnerable groups.

From cancer to mental health challenges, alcohol misuse has far-reaching health consequences. Discover more about how alcohol impacts your well-being.

• Alcohol & Cancer Risk, The US Surgeon General’s Advisory, 2025

  • This advisory note highlights the relationship between alcohol consumption and more than seven different types of cancer. Current research shows that risks for certain cancers (including breast, mouth, and throat) begin at “light” levels of alcohol consumption (1 or less drinks per day). The advisory also indicates that, while 72% of US adults regularly consume alcohol, less than half are aware of the link between drinking alcohol and cancer risk.

• The Washington Times: Why America needs honest alcohol guidelines, 2025

  • This article highlights America's growing alcohol crisis, with 178,000 deaths from excessive drinking in 2023 - a 29% increase from previous years. The author argues that current U.S. guidelines allowing men two drinks daily are outdated and dangerous, as new research shows no safe level of alcohol consumption. Beyond direct health risks like cancer and liver disease, alcohol contributes to suicide, violent crime, and costs the economy $249 billion annually. The piece warns against weakening alcohol recommendations due to industry pressure and calls for honest, evidence-based guidelines that prioritize public health over corporate profits.

• 2020-2025 USDA Dietary Guidelines: Alcohol

  • This paper provides guidelines on alcohol consumption, emphasizing that while moderate drinking may be acceptable for some adults, it should be limited to reduce health risks. It highlights the negative impact of excessive alcohol consumption on health, including the increased risk of death and various diseases, and urges caution due to the potential cancer and cardiovascular risks, even at low levels of intake.

• Alcohol Consumption and All-Cause Mortality, 2023

  • This study investigates the association between alcohol use and all-cause mortality, analyzing data from 107 cohort studies published between 1980 and 2021. It found that low to moderate alcohol consumption did not significantly reduce mortality risk compared to lifetime nondrinkers, while higher alcohol intake (25+ grams per day) was associated with an increased risk of mortality, especially among women.

Driving under the influence remains one of the most preventable causes of road fatalities. Explore data and strategies proven to reduce alcohol-related crashes.

• Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol: Findings from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 2020

  • This article details trends in alcohol-related driving incidents from 2002 to 2017. Overall, alcohol-related driving incidents have decreased among all major US subpopulations (except for older adults). However, alcohol impaired driving rates remain high for certain subpopulations, including: male, White, high socioeconomic status, age 26-34, and recently paroled individuals. Additionally, while general alcohol-impaired driving has decreased, fatal alcohol-related motor vehicle events have continually increased since 2011.   

• National Transportation Safety Board: .05 BAC Safety Brief, 2018

  • This fact sheet shows that .05% BAC laws can prevent alcohol-impaired driving and save over 1,500 lives each year. Lowering the BAC limit decreases driving after drinking and deters individuals at all BAC levels.

Alcohol misuse incurs billions in lost productivity and healthcare costs annually. Discover the economic consequences of excessive alcohol consumption in the United States.

• National & State Costs of Excessive Alcohol Consumption, 2015

  • Excessive alcohol consumption causes 79,000 deaths and results in $223.5 billion in economic costs annually in the U.S. This includes lost productivity, healthcare expenses, criminal justice costs, and the financial impacts of binge drinking, underage drinking, and drinking during pregnancy.

• Association Between Workplace Absenteeism and Alcohol Use Disorder, 2022

  • This article details how the Covid-19 pandemic produced substantial shifts in the workplace, workforce, and alcohol behavior, leading to decreased workplace productivity and increased adverse health effects. Currently, 9.3% of the US workforce (or 11 million full time employees) meet the criteria for AUD. Moreover, full-time workers with severe AUD miss an average of 32.3 workdays per year (versus full time employees with no AUD, who miss an average of 13 days per year). Additional research indicates that the rise in worker absenteeism costs US employers approximately $225.8 billion annually, or $1,685 per employee.

Research shows that certain populations, including college age, veteran, LGBTQIA+, older adult, and racial minority individuals are at higher risk for alcohol misuse due to unique challenges like social pressures, stigma, and structural barriers. Check out these sources to learn more about how these populations are disproportionately impacted about alcohol & substance abuse.

• Alcohol Misuse Among the LGBTQ+ Population, 2025

  • This infographic compiles important research on alcohol use among the LGBT+ population. LGBT+ individuals face unique challenges, including social isolation, family problems, homophobia, and violence. Consequently, LGBT+ persons are 21% more likely to misuse substances than the general population. This discrepancy highlights the need for affirming, specialized care for persons struggling with substance abuse.

• Co-Occurring Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and Alcohol Use Disorder in U.S. Military and Veteran Populations. 2018

  • Military and veteran populations are much more likely than civilians to develop both Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PSTD) and Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD). Factors such as military culture, traumatic experiences during deployment, and high stress exposure all contribute to risky alcohol behaviors & misuse. Studies suggest that increased psychotherapy supports help to reduce PSTD & AUD symptoms.

• Trends in Alcohol Induced Deaths in the United States, 2020

  • This article describes trends in alcohol-related illness & death among various US subpopulations. Study results indicate that American Indian / Alaskan Native populations have experienced the highest overall increase in alcohol-related death rates. Additionally, White men, Asian & Pacific Islander men, and Latinx women have experienced significant growth in alcohol mortality, while rates among Black & Latinx men remain high (with little fluctuation). Death rates have also increased substantially among younger adults (ages 20 to 35) and among White & Latinx older adults (age 50+).