Alcohol deaths in US rose dramatically during pandemic: Study

New research shows that deaths caused by alcohol in the US have skyrocketed since the Covid-19 pandemic, and younger Americans -- people in their late 20s, 30s and early 40s -- were the hardest hit.

Heightened stressors, plus ease of access, led to Americans purchasing alcohol at the greatest rate in decades, according to IWSR, an alcohol research organization.

A study published this week found that deaths rates surged by 25% in 2020. They stayed high in 2021—21% above the pre-pandemic baseline—a figure equating to tens of thousands of deaths.

In the winter of 2021, hospitals around the country reported that alcohol-related admissions increased up to 50% compared to prior years. Hospitalizations leapt higher still during intermittent stay-at-home orders.

Drinking alongside drugs can be particularly deadly. Historically, one out of every seven opioid deaths also involve alcohol. As opioids overwhelm the US, deaths involving both are only accelerating.

The World Health Organization says alcohol consumption contributes to 3 million deaths each year globally as well as to the disabilities and poor health of millions of people.

A new study contradicts previous findings that link moderate alcohol consumption to health benefits and a longer life.

Some recent studies have linked moderate alcohol consumption to health benefits, such as lower risk of heart disease. Other studies have touted the potential health benefits of drinking wine.

However, results of a new study from the University of Greifswald in Germany contradict the idea of drinking alcohol to protect health.

Islam and other religions forbid alcoholic consumption and view it as sinful due to the physical, mental and spiritual harm it has on humans. In Islam, any food or drink that causes intoxication is strictly forbidden.

In the Quran, all kinds of alcoholic drinks are unlawful and referenced as incentives from the Satan.

002