A first-ever report from state health officials, how alcohol is used and sometimes misused

The Illinois Department of Public Health says it has issued its first comprehensive report on how alcohol is used, and sometimes misused, by Illinois residents. The Center Square is reporting in what's titled “Alcohol Use in Illinois,” found that the percentage of people killed in motor vehicle crashes where a driver had alcohol in their bloodstream has risen since 2019. From 2020-2023, more than 2,300 deaths statewide were from causes directly attributable to chronic alcohol use, such as alcoholic liver disease and alcohol dependency syndrome.

The state says, hopefully the data can be used by health professionals to target evidence-based programs and community partners to reduce related harms and promote healthier behaviors.

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