The New York State Department of Health and the New York State Office of Addiction Services and Supports (OASAS) are urging residents to consider reducing their alcohol intake as the new year approaches. Officials highlight that excessive drinking remains a major health concern, both in the short term and over time.
“Drinking less alcohol or choosing not to drink can lead to significant improvements in your overall physical and mental health,” said State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald. “Those who reduce or stop drinking alcohol report better sleep patterns, more energy and overall improved mood. Reducing alcohol consumption can also reduce the risk of certain cancers, stroke, liver disease and other associated illnesses. Heading into the new year, I encourage New Yorkers to reduce their alcohol consumption and, for those who struggle with alcohol use, take advantage of the many resources available to help.”
“Binge and heavy drinking can have serious—and sometimes life-threatening—health consequences,” OASAS Commissioner Dr. Chinazo Cunningham said.” While reducing alcohol use can improve health and save lives, we know that for many people it isn’t easy to do alone. New York offers prevention, treatment, harm reduction, and recovery services that are available 24/7, and help is always just one call away through the HOPEline at 1-877-8-HOPENY.”
Excessive drinking contributes significantly to preventable deaths each year; state data shows about 8,000 deaths annually in New York are linked to this issue while across the United States there are approximately 178,000 such deaths.
Definitions provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) describe binge drinking as consuming four or more drinks for women or five or more drinks for men during a single occasion. Heavy drinking is classified as eight or more drinks per week for women or 15 or more per week for men.
Recent findings from the Department’s Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) brief indicate some progress: In 2023 nearly one in six adults in New York reported excessive alcohol use—down from about one in five in 2022. The rate of binge drinking also fell compared with previous years.
However, disparities remain among different groups. Men were found more likely than women to engage in binge drinking; younger adults under age 35 reported higher rates than older adults; those with household incomes above $75,000 drank excessively at higher rates than those with lower incomes.
Health officials emphasize that excessive alcohol use increases risks for chronic diseases such as cancer—including oral, liver, colon, rectum and breast cancers—as well as hypertension and cardiovascular disease. Alcohol is estimated to be responsible for almost five percent of cancer cases statewide.
Short-term dangers include car crashes, violence incidents involving intoxication, poisoning and overdose events.
For individuals seeking support regarding substance use disorders—including those related to alcohol—resources are available on the New York State Office of Addiction Services and Supports website. The HOPEline at 877-8-HOPE-NY provides around-the-clock assistance.
People interested in monitoring their own habits can access a personalized planning tool through the CDC’s online resource.
Current statistics on causes of death related to alcohol use in New York can be found here. Additional information about prevention efforts is available on the State Health Department’s dedicated webpage.
