State Health Officials Issue Unexpected New Warning to Massachusetts Drinkers

You may not have asked for it, and may not think you need it, but the Massachusetts Executive Office of Health and Social Services has posted advice about your alcohol consumption.

The EOHSS Substance Abuse Prevention web page now addresses the "health impacts of drinking alcohol."

"Drinking alcohol has real consequences. The more you drink each week, the more those effects can add up over time," according to the EOHSS. "Data shows that almost half of Massachusetts adults didn't drink in the past month. However, among those who do drink, many engage in risky drinking behavior such as binge drinking and heavy drinking."

Get our free mobile app

Binge Drinking and Youth Consumption Trends in the Bay State

As many as 16.4 percent of adults report binge drinking.

"22.1 percent of high school students report drinking in the past month. Female high school students report more alcohol use (current, binge, and lifetime) than males," the EOHSS reported. "Starting to drink at a young age is linked with a higher risk of having problems with alcohol and other substances later in life."

Massachusetts HSS With Sobering Stats On Alcohol Use

"Long-term alcohol use is a leading, yet preventable, cause of chronic disease and premature deaths," according to the EOHSS. "In 2023, one in three traffic deaths in Massachusetts involved a drunk driver."

Key Massachusetts Health and Emergency Room Statistics

In 2024, "more than 1,600 deaths in Massachusetts involved alcohol," and in 2024, "over 89,000 ER visits in Massachusetts involved alcohol."

Alcohol use can lead to liver disease, cardiovascular issues, and cancer.

National Drinking Rates Drop to Historic Lows

According to Gallup News, alcohol consumption in the United States has decreased significantly and is at a multi-decade low. Gallup polling shows the percentage of U.S. adults who report ever drinking alcohol dropped to 54 percent, marking a record low in nearly 90 years of tracking.