Alcoholic liver disease on the rise

   Alcoholic liver disease deaths per 100,000 population 2016-2022

Source: Reese, KFF Health News, July 12, 2023 LINK

The COVID-19 pandemic led to a dramatic increase in depression and anxiety, and people also increased their intake of alcohol.  Alcoholic liver disease caused more deaths than breast cancer or automobile accidents in California in 2021, according to KFF Health News.

You can see below that deaths from alcoholic liver disease increased in California in every age group - more than doubling in people ages 25-34.

Source: Reese, KFF Health News, July 12, 2023 LINK

Implications for employers:

• Behavioral health services - including treatment for substance use - are a critical benefit for health plan members

• Effective treatment for substance use, including alcohol, can prevent death, disability, and very high medical costs

• Supervisors and managers can be trained to spot signs of alcohol overuse and refer employees to Employee Assistance Programs and other resources including carrier care management programs that specialize in care for substance use disorder.

• Employers can provide additional support for their workers who are recovering from substance use disorder (see this New Hampshire example).

• The Americans with Disability Act prohibits discrimination against those in recovery from substance abuse

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Jeff