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. South Dakota had the second-highest age-adjusted rate for alcohol-related deaths at 34.1 per 100,000, while the United States rate was 13.0 per 100,000 (2020-2024).
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 Quick Facts:
- South Dakota was among the top ten states for highest binge drinking rates in the nation in 2025, with 18% of adults reporting binge drinking (BRFSS, 2025)
- More than half (52%) of South Dakotan adults drink alcohol (BRFSS, 2025)
- 20% of high school students in South Dakota currently drink alcohol (YRBS, 2025)
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:
Alcohol-Related Deaths & Nonfatal Visits
Alcohol-Related Deaths & Hospitalizations in South Dakota, 2026
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. South Dakota had the second-highest age-adjusted rate for alcohol-related deaths at 34.1 per 100,000, while the United States rate was 13.0 per 100,000 (2020-2024).
Alcohol-Related Deaths & Hospitalizations in South Dakota, 2025
Alcohol-related deaths continue to be a public health concern in South Dakota. South Dakota saw a decrease in alcohol-related deaths in 2022 and 2023, but deaths have increased by 19% from 306 deaths in 2023 to 365 deaths in 2024. South Dakota had the third-highest age-adjusted rate for alcohol-related deaths at 31.4 per 100,000. The United States rate was 12.7 per 100,000, 2019-2023.
Alcohol-Related Deaths & Hospitalizations in South Dakota, 2024
Alcohol-related deaths have been an increasing concern over the last ten years in South Dakota. Alcohol-related deaths increased by 77% from 173 deaths in 2014 to 306 deaths in 2023, but deaths have decreased by 7% from 2022 to 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.