US deaths caused entirely by alcohol were still 17% above prepandemic levels last, despite a 5% year-on-year fall, according to provisional CDC figures. The final figure is likely to be higher once additional data filters in. Such alcohol induced deaths surged to 39% percent above the pre-pandemic level in 2022. The Trump administration, meanwhile, is making cuts to public health initiatives and research intended to cut alcohol harm which critics describe as “severe”. Over 70% of alcohol deaths deaths were among men with the percentage peaking at 75% at between 65 and 74 (see table). ■
