Alcohol-Related Deaths & Hospitalizations

Excessive alcohol use is one of the leading preventable causes of death in the United States. Around 178,000 people die from excessive drinking each year. Alcohol-related deaths have been an increasing concern over the last ten years in South Dakota. In 2023, South Dakota had the fourth highest age-adjusted rate for alcohol-related deaths at 29.7 per 100,000, while the United States rate was 12.1 per 100,000, 2018-2022. 

Alcohol is used more often and by more people than any other substance and alcohol contributes to more deaths, injuries, and illnesses than any other drug. Using alcohol excessively on occasion or over time can have immediate and long-term health risks. Everyone can take steps to protect their own and others' health and learn about proven ways to prevent excessive alcohol use.

Alcohol-Related Deaths & Nonfatal Visits Report, 2024

Alcohol Quick Facts:

• South Dakota had one of the highest binge drinking rates in the nation in 2022, with 21% of adults reporting binge drinking.
• Among adults in South Dakota who binge drink, 25% consume at least 9 drinks per binge drinking occasion.
• Among adults in South Dakota who binge drink, 25% do so at least 4 times per month.
• 11% of high school students in South Dakota reported binge drinking in 2021.

State Resources:

• Substance Use Disorder Treatment Services in South Dakota 
• South Dakota Alcohol Addiction Helpline
• Find Drug & Alcohol Resources in South Dakota
• South Dakota Alcohol Laws & Regulations 

National Resources:

• CDC Alcohol & Public Health
• CDC South Dakota Facts 
• NIH’s Alcohol and Your Health