Alcohol-Related Liver Disease: Rising Deaths in Women & Young Adults
Deaths linked to alcohol-associated hepatitis have surged, particularly among women and young adults aged 25-44. This alarming trend, detailed in a recent report, highlights the increasing prevalence of alcohol-related liver disease and its devastating impact. Experts are concerned about the long-term consequences of increased alcohol consumption during the pandemic, with the full effects possibly still unfolding. Discover how alcohol consumption affects women differently and the latest calls for increased public awareness. The American Medical Association is working to educate the public. For more in-depth news, News Directory 3 has the latest updates. Discover what’s next for those affected.
Alcohol-Linked Liver Deaths Rising in Women and Young Adults
Updated June 14, 2025
Deaths from hepatitis have more than doubled in certain populations between 2010 and 2022, according to a recent report. Experts are notably concerned about the long-term consequences of increased alcohol consumption during the pandemic.
Dr. Nasim maleki, a psychiatry professor at Harvard Medical School, noted that while the pandemic has subsided, the disparities it unveiled persist. Data shows individuals aged 25 to 44 experienced the most significant annual increase in deaths related to alcohol-associated hepatitis from 1999 to 2022. This condition can manifest rapidly,causing symptoms such as fatigue,jaundice,and liver pain,even in those with relatively short drinking histories.
Liver specialist Dr. Robert Wong, of Stanford University, cautioned that the effects of increased alcohol consumption during the pandemic may not be fully apparent for another five to 10 years, as alcohol-related cirrhosis takes time to develop.
Research indicates women might potentially be more susceptible due to biological differences in how they process alcohol. Cisgender women are less efficient at breaking down alcohol compared to cisgender men, leading to a greater impact on their organs over time. Federal guidelines recommend women consume no more than one drink per day, while men can have up to two.
According to marissa Esser, former head of the alcohol program at the CDC, more than 12,000 deaths in 2021 were attributed to “unspecified liver cirrhosis” caused by heavy drinking, even though this connection might not always be clear on death certificates.
The American Medical Association is advocating for increased public awareness campaigns about the link between alcohol and breast cancer, as well as improved labeling on alcohol containers to highlight potential risks.
While some studies suggest a slight decrease in alcohol consumption after a peak in 2020, it remains uncertain whether this decline will translate into fewer deaths in the future.
Alcohol-associated liver disease (ALD) remains the primary reason for liver transplants in the U.S., with alcohol-associated hepatitis being the fastest-growing cause for needing a transplant.
Lee noted many people are unaware that consuming more than two drinks daily is considered heavy drinking by federal standards.
What’s next
Health officials are monitoring trends in alcohol consumption and liver disease, emphasizing the need for continued education and awareness about the risks associated with heavy drinking to mitigate long-term health consequences.
More details:
Chun-Wei Pan et al, Alcohol-Associated Liver Disease Mortality, JAMA Network Open (2025). DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2025.14857
The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism has more on alcohol-related emergencies and deaths in the U.S.