Alcohol, Illicit Drugs, and Suicide Mortality Trends Stratified by Age, Gender, and Race for 2006–2019

Abstract

This study examined US mortality trends associated with modifiable risk factors during 2006–2019, stratified by age, race, and gender; with an emphasis on illicit drug misuse, alcohol consumption and suicide. Mortalities were calculated using a methodology employed by Dr Ralph Keeney which estimates mortalities from a single underlying cause of death. The findings show the effects of alcohol are larger among American Indians/Alaskan Natives and mortality attributable to alcohol increases with age. Suicide is more abundant among white citizens while illicit drug misuse has a larger impact on young African American and white citizens.