New CDC study: Alcohol a leading cause of death among U.S. working-age adults

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A new Centers for Disease Control (CDC) study has found that excessive alcohol consumption is a leading cause of premature mortality among working-age adults in the U.S., making it the 4th leading preventable cause of death.

The study's authors pointed out that while many people blame alcoholism for alcohol-related deaths, binge drinking plays a significant role in a majority of these deaths, contributing to both short-term and long-term causes of death. Binge drinking is common, with one in 6 U.S. adults engaging in the behavior regularly.

To prevent excessive alcohol consumption, the CDC recommends reducing access to alcohol, through effective policies such as increased alcohol taxes.