Illinois officials unveiled Monday what they call their first comprehensive look at how Illinoisans use alcohol and its impact on public health. [Health News Illinois]

The analysis from the Department of Public Health found that more than 2,300 deaths statewide between 2020 and 2023 were from causes directly attributable to chronic alcohol use, such as liver disease. An additional 2,000 deaths were “indirectly associated” with chronic alcohol use, including hypertension, coronary heart disease and liver cancer.

Such deaths varied by region. The Peoria region had the highest rate at 5.2 deaths per 100,000 individuals. The greater Chicago region saw a rate of 2.3 deaths per 100,000 individuals.

The report also found a rise in the number of alcohol-related vehicle fatalities. In 2022, the most recent year cited in the report, 37 percent of fatal crashes involved a driver with a blood alcohol concentration of at least .01. Another five percent involved levels between .01 and .07, and 32 percent involved a driver above the legal limit of .08.

The data was compiled from various sources, including several surveys conducted between 2021 and 2023, as well as information compiled by state and federal databases.

The report found that 57 percent of Illinoisans have consumed at least one alcoholic beverage within 30 days of taking part in a survey on their alcohol use. 

More than 18 percent of individuals acknowledged binge drinking, or having at least four drinks within a couple of hours for females, and at least five drinks for males.

Nearly 23 percent of high schoolers have consumed at least one alcoholic beverage in the past 30 days, with more than 11 percent acknowledging they binge drank during that time frame.

Agency Director Dr. Sameer Vohra said the report provides the “most detailed picture to date of how alcohol use and misuse affect the health and safety of Illinois residents.”

“This report serves as a critical foundation for a more informed, coordinated response to the growing public health challenges posed by alcohol misuse across Illinois,” he said.

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