New Mexico sees rise in alcohol-related deaths

The news comes as the New Mexico Department of Health supports residents committing to Sober October, the ongoing initiative that urges people to abstain from alcohol for the month to reset habits, strengthen wellness and rethink their relationship with drinking.

Source: N.M. Department of Health

SANTA FE – Despite a 21% drop in alcohol-related deaths from 2021 to 2024, new data shows a 2.6% rise in alcohol-related deaths in New Mexico between 2024 and 2025.

The news comes as the New Mexico Department of Health supports residents committing to Sober October, the ongoing initiative that urges people to abstain from alcohol for the month to reset habits, strengthen wellness and rethink their relationship with drinking.

“Though the decreasing trend in alcohol-related deaths since 2021 is good news, the recent uptick is a reminder alcohol use remains a health concern,” said Rebecca Neudecker, section manager for the New Mexico Department of Health’s (NMDOH) Office of Alcohol Misuse Prevention. “Studies show alcohol use can be tied to such health issues as heart disease, cancer and liver malfunction.”

Among other initiatives to reduce alcohol-related deaths, NMDOH has been working with local communities to increase culturally-based education and prevention, including working with Tribal entities. NMDOH has also launched a campaign, Drink Less, Live More to highlight the benefits of cutting back on alcohol. The campaign offers evidence-based tools, self-check guides, daily drink trackers and community support materials to help individuals make informed choices about their alcohol use.

Benefits from cutting back on alcohol use include:

• Reducing the risk of cancer
• Better sleep quality
• Weight loss
• Improved liver function
• Improved digestion
• Saving money

For more information on alcohol and available resources, including free online screening tools, please visit theOffice of Alcohol Misuse Prevention.

If you would like help addressing your use of alcohol, talk with your primary health provider about treatment options, including medications for alcohol use disorder. If you need help finding a provider, please call the NMDOH Helpline at 1-833-SWNURSE (1-833-796-8773).