According to the latest “Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System,” a telephone survey conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, one in six New Yorkers reported excessive alcohol consumption. This represents 16.7% of the population, with nearly 15% of adults reporting binge drinking and 5.5% reporting heavy drinking. The survey found that excessive drinking was most common in men, particularly those under 35, and in adults with a household income of at least $75,000 and frequent mental distress. The New York State Health Commissioner, James McDonald, urged New Yorkers to cut back on alcohol, stating that it could benefit their health in numerous ways, including better sleep, weight maintenance, and overall physical and mental well-being.
Furthermore, the health department highlighted that excessive drinking is a leading cause of preventable and premature death in the U.S., contributing to nearly 6,700 annual deaths in New York out of 140,000 nationwide. However, they noted a decrease in heavy drinking from 2020 to 2021, with the prevalence dropping from 6.5% to 5.5%. Additionally, the report pointed out that non-alcoholic beverage sales saw a 62% increase from 2022 to 2023, suggesting a growing trend of people opting for alcohol-free options.
The health department recommended speaking to a primary care provider or accessing resources through the state Office of Addiction Services and Supports for those struggling with excessive alcohol consumption. The survey findings shed light on the prevalence of excessive drinking in New York and the potential health implications associated with it, as well as the efforts being made by businesses to provide more non-alcoholic drink options for consumers.
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