Alcohol Statistics in Kentucky

Alcohol is a beverage that, in moderation, adults can enjoy responsibly. But the consequences can be dire when people misuse this substance. 

Excessive drinking comes with life-altering results, from intense health complications like liver cirrhosis or cancer to deadly car accidents due to elevated BAC levels.

Kentucky is no exception to these risks. According to SAMHSA, The death rate per 100,000 residents due to alcohol use in Kentucky in 2020 is higher than the national average of 13.1.

Here are other statistics from Kentucky that are sobering reminders of this issue.

Kentucky Alcohol Use Statistics Overview

• 42.41%% of people over 18 in Kentucky reported alcohol use in the last 30 days.
• 20.70%% of people over 18 in Kentucky reported binge alcohol use (5 or more drinks for males and 4 or more drinks for females in 1 session) in the last 30 days.
• 39.82%% of residents of Kentucky perceive drinking more than 5 drinks in 1 drinking session as a great risk. 

Kentucky Underage Alcohol Use Statistics Overview

• In Kentucky, 13.87%% of people aged 12-20 reported alcohol use in the last 30 days.
• 6.81%% in Kentucky reported binging on alcohol in the last 30 days.

Kentucky Alcohol Effects on Health Statistics Overview

• In 2020, Kentucky’s death rate per 100,000 people due to excess alcohol was 14.6.
• The death rate per 100,000 residents due to alcohol use in Kentucky in 2020 is higher than the national average of 13.1.
• The 5-year average number of suicides due to alcohol from 2015 to 2019 in Kentucky was 183.
• The 5-year average number of homicides due to alcohol from 2015 to 2019 in Kentucky was 122.
• The 5-year average number of deaths due to Alcohol Dependence Syndrome from 2015 to 2019 in Kentucky was 69.
• Kentucky’s 5-year average number of deaths per year from Coronary Heart disease due to alcohol use was 104.
• Kentucky’s 5-year average number of deaths for all causes that are attributable to alcohol use was 1025.
  • 734 were male over 21
  • 291 were female over 21
  • 43 were male under 21
  • 14 were female under 21

Graphs

Kentucky’s Death Rate per 100,000 citizens from 2009 to 2020

The death rate due to alcohol use in Kentucky has been steadily rising over the past decade, with a particularly sharp increase in 2020.

Kentucky’s Death Rate per 100,000 citizens vs. the national average

Impact of Alcohol on Public Health

Alcohol use and abuse impact public health in numerous ways. From elevated crime rates to reduced productivity, excessive alcohol consumption can have long-term consequences.

• The economic impact of alcohol abuse and misuse on Kentucky in 2010 has been estimated to be $3,194,500,000. 

This figure includes direct and indirect costs associated with health care, criminal justice costs, motor vehicle crash costs, and lost productivity.

Alcohol abuse can also cause significant physical and mental health problems, including:

• Liver damage
• Cancer
• Increased risk of stroke
• Fetal alcohol syndrome
• Addiction
• Depression
• Suicide

It can even disrupt social relationships, impair cognitive functioning, and increase violence risk.

Sobering Up

Kentucky has experienced the harmful effects of alcohol misuse and abuse. The statistics above show that the number of adult drinkers is concerning, and the significant rise in underage use is alarming.

The death rate and health complications further show the truth about the dangers of excessive drinking. Therefore, reducing the amount of alcohol you consume is vital in protecting your health and well-being. Likewise, it can have far-reaching effects on those around you and society.

Alcoholism, Addiction, and Treatment Options

If you or someone you know is struggling with alcohol addiction, seek professional help immediately. ARH has various resources available that can help with your recovery.

• Inpatient rehabilitation is perfect for those needing intensive care and comprehensive treatment for their addiction.
• Outpatient rehabilitation offers continued support for recovery and a way to transition into a more independent lifestyle.
• Partial hospitalization programs (PHPs) provide extensive treatment part-time.
• Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) is a program that combines medication and counseling to help you manage addiction.
• Support groups are a great way to connect with peers and receive moral support during recovery.
• Residential treatment centers (RTCs)  provide a safe, home-like setting for those facing addiction.

No one should face their struggle with alcohol alone. Alcohol Rehab Help aims to give people the right support and resources to help them recover.

Remember, there is no single solution to the problem of alcohol abuse. But with the proper support and resources, you can take steps to make progress and create a healthier life.