A concerning rise in deaths attributed to liver diseases caused by excessive alcohol consumption has been reported in Wisconsin, according to an analysis of data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). From 2019 to 2023, fatalities from alcoholic cirrhosis, one of the key liver diseases linked to alcohol, increased by 35% in the state.
Wisconsin health experts have observed that liver-related issues are increasingly affecting younger populations. To combat this troubling trend, they advocate for more comprehensive medical treatment, a reduction in the stigma surrounding alcohol use disorder, and enhanced public education about the risks of excessive drinking.
These alarming statistics reflect a broader national trend. A study published on June 11 in JAMA Open Network highlighted a “significant acceleration” in deaths from alcohol-associated liver diseases throughout and following the COVID-19 pandemic, with an approximate annual increase of 9% nationwide between 2018 and 2022.
As the pandemic prompted many Americans to drink more frequently, Wisconsin’s deeply rooted drinking culture raises further concerns about its impact on public health. A report from the Journal Sentinel revealed that alcohol-related deaths surged threefold in the state from 1999 to 2020.
Maureen Busalacchi, director of the Wisconsin Alcohol Policy Project at the Medical College of Wisconsin, expressed that the narrative often simplifies Wisconsin’s drinking culture, stating, “I think the narrative often in Wisconsin is just, ‘Oh, we’re just big drinkers,’ and that’s all there is. The message is not that you can’t drink at all. It’s more, really think about it, and just drink less.”
The recommended U.S. dietary guidelines suggest that individuals of drinking age should limit their alcohol intake to one drink per day for women and two for men. Prolonged excessive consumption leads to fat accumulation and scar tissue in the liver, ultimately causing cirrhosis, according to Dr. Rita German, a transplant hepatologist at UW Health in Madison. Symptoms such as jaundice, fever, and confusion typically emerge only after the disease has advanced, complicating treatment.
CDC data reveal that nearly 3,000 individuals in Wisconsin died from alcohol-related liver diseases between 2019 and 2023, with a staggering 2,072 fatalities resulting from cirrhosis alone. In addition to cirrhosis, other liver diseases such as alcoholic fatty liver and alcoholic hepatic failure also saw increases in death rates during this period.
Busalacchi highlighted that most of these deaths are preventable, calling the statistics a significant concern. The average age of patients with alcohol-related liver diseases is now 45, down from what was previously considered middle age, and some cases involve individuals as young as 25.
Despite some young people reducing their alcohol intake, those who continue to drink are doing so at higher rates. An alarming statistic from the 2023 Youth Risk Behavior Survey indicated that over 10% of Wisconsin high school students reported binge drinking within the last 30 days.
Notably, the JAMA study observed rising alcohol-related liver disease deaths particularly among adults aged 25 to 44, with disproportionately higher rates among women. Dr. German explained that women are generally more susceptible to liver damage due to biological factors, which elevates their risk.
To mitigate rising liver disease cases, experts stress the importance of open discussions regarding alcohol use between patients and healthcare providers, advocating for a shift in perspective to view alcohol use disorder as a disease rather than a personal failure. Furthermore, individuals concerned about their consumption can request a liver ultrasound to initiate early treatment if necessary.
At UW Health’s specialized clinic, patients receive holistic treatment that includes not just liver-focused medical care but also support from addiction specialists and counselors to address underlying mental health issues. Since its inception in 2021, the clinic has assisted between 250 and 300 patients. Early intervention through lifestyle changes can potentially reverse liver damage caused by fat and scarring.
Busalacchi’s ongoing efforts aim to reshape public perceptions surrounding drinking culture, with notable community initiatives promoting greater awareness of the consequences of excessive alcohol consumption, especially among youth, and stricter age compliance checks for alcohol sales.
