Alcohol

Alcohol Overview

Alcohol and alcoholic beverages contain ethanol, which is a psychoactive and toxic substance with dependence-producing properties.^[1] Alcohol is a central nervous system depressant, affecting nearly every organ in the body, especially the brain. It is rapidly absorbed from the stomach and small intestine into the bloodstream, where it begins to take effect almost immediately.

Once in the bloodstream, alcohol is metabolized by the liver, primarily through enzymes such as alcohol dehydrogenase. However, the liver can only process a small amount of alcohol at a time, and excess alcohol remains in the bloodstream, continuing to circulate throughout the body. This is why blood alcohol concentration (BAC) rises as a person drinks more than the liver can process.^[2]

The effects of alcohol on the body are dose-dependent, meaning the intensity of its impact correlates directly with the amount consumed. Chronic and excessive drinking can lead to long-term health problems, including liver disease, cardiovascular issues, and neurological damage.

Drinking Behaviors in Idaho

Past 30-Day Use

According to the 2022-2023 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), about 48% of Idahoans aged 18 and older have consumed alcohol in the past month, which is lower than the national average of approximately 52%. Over the past 20 years, the rates of past-month alcohol use for individuals aged 18 and older have remained relatively stable, both in Idaho and nationwide. However, for Idahoans aged 12-17, the past-month alcohol consumption rate stands at 7.2%, slightly higher than the national rate of 6.9%. These figures highlight a notable decline in alcohol use among this age group, with both state and national prevalence dropping by approximately 10% over the past two decades.

Risky Drinking Behaviors

According to the 2023 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS), 11% of females and 19% of males aged 18 and older reported binge drinking in the past 30 days. This reflects a relatively steady prevalence since 2014 for both females (9.1%) and males (20.8%). The 2023 BRFSS reported that 6.4% of females and 5.2% of males aged 18 and older engaged in heavy drinking in the past 30 days. This represents a statistically significant increase in heavy drinking among Idaho females, who reported a rate of 4.5% in 2014, while the male rate (5.6%) has remained relatively steady over that same time period. NSDUH reported a past-month binge alcohol use rate of 3.7% for Idahoans aged 12-17, similar to the national rate of 3.6%. This marks a slight decline from the 5% rate recorded in 2015-2016, the first year NSDUH began tracking this measure. Although risky drinking behaviors have remained relatively steady overall, it is important to note that the rate of Idaho females aged 18 and older engaging in heavy drinking has significantly increased over the past 10 years.

Underage Drinking

The Center for Disease Control states that alcohol is the most common drug used by people younger than 21 in the United States.^[3] In 2023, the National Survey on Drug Use and Health reported that 14.6% (5.6 million) of youth ages 12 to 20 reported drinking alcohol beyond “just a few sips” in the past month.^[4] Youth are particularly vulnerable to the harms associated with alcohol consumption, as studies have shown an increased risk of alcohol-related problems later in life, interference with brain development, a higher likelihood of acute deaths, and an elevated risk of sexual assault. ^[5][6][7] The long-term consequences of underage drinking can have lasting effects on academic performance, relationships, and overall life outcomes, making it crucial to address and prevent alcohol consumption at an early age.

Alcohol Related Harms

Alcohol has been classified as a Group 1 carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer for decades. This is the highest risk group which also includes asbestos, radiation, and tobacco. Alcohol causes at least seven types of cancer, including the most common cancer types, such as bowel and breast cancer.^[8] It is estimated that approximately half of all alcohol-attributed cancers are caused by “light” and “moderate” alcohol consumption while the majority of alcohol-attributed deaths are due to different types of cancers. In January 2023, the World Health Organization stated that current evidence does not identify a threshold at which the carcinogenic effects of alcohol ‘switch on’ and begin to manifest in the human body; therefore, it is safer to assume that no level of alcohol consumption can be considered safe.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Alcohol-Related Disease Impact (ARDI) annual estimates show that, on average, 986 Idahoans died each year from alcohol-related causes in 2020 and 2021.^[9] This estimate includes both chronic and acute causes, with males experiencing nearly double the rate of total alcohol-attributed deaths compared to females.^[10] For acute causes, such as alcohol-related poisonings, motor vehicle crashes, and suicides, males experience over three times the occurrences compared to females.

Noteworthy Legislation 

2016 Alcohol Age Violations

House Bill No. 494

Reclassifies a first offense for underage alcohol possession or consumption from a misdemeanor to an infraction. The purpose behind the reclassification is to better align punishment with crimes committed and save costs related to public defense, while maintaining penalties adequate for deterrence and enforcement. Enacted April 5, 2016.

• Bill Language
• Idaho Code

2016 Limited Use Immunity

House Bill No. 521

Adds section 23-604A, providing limited use immunity from a misdemeanor Minor in Consumption or Possession of alcohol charge for a minor that needs or seeks emergency medical help on behalf of themselves or another. Enacted April 5, 2016.

• Bill Language
• Idaho Code

2019 Ignition Interlock Systems

Senate Bill No. 1278

Requires that all DUI offenders install an ignition interlock device (IID) in order to regain driving privileges after a mandatory suspension period. The mandatory suspension period varies depending on the individual’s age, blood alcohol content at the time of the incident, and the number of prior infractions. Enacted January 1, 2019.

• Bill Language
• Idaho Code

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Updated: April 22, 2025