Staff Reports
SANTA FE — Alcohol-related deaths in New Mexico dropped 23% between 2021 and 2024, the New Mexico Department of Health announced on April 7 as the state marks Alcohol Awareness Month this April.
The New Mexico Department of Health is highlighting the progress while urging residents to stay informed about alcohol’s health risks — including its link to at least seven types of cancer — and to take advantage of free screening resources available this month.
Alcohol is a known carcinogen and is directly linked to cancers of the mouth, throat, voice box (larynx), esophagus, colon and rectum, liver, and breast with risk rising as consumption increases. Excessive alcohol use can also lead to high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, digestive problems, weaker immune system, depression and anxiety, and memory and relationship problems.
Recent research shows that even moderate drinking (2 drinks or less in a day for men and 1 drink or less in a day for women) may increase the risk of alcohol-related harm compared to not drinking at all.
“Small changes in your approach to drinking can make a big difference in reducing your chances of having alcohol-related problems,” Rebecca Neudecker, section manager for NMDOH’s Office of Alcohol Misuse Prevention, said.
The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism suggests these tips for cutting back:
Keep track of how much you drink.
Find alternatives to drinking alcohol.
Avoid triggers that lead you to want to drink.
Know your “no.”
