MITCHELL, SD (Mitchell Now) — South Dakota recorded the nation’s second-largest percentage increase in its alcohol-induced death rate between 2015 and 2024, according to Lantana Recovery’s Alcohol Across America analysis.
The state’s age-adjusted rate climbed from 18.2 to 34.6 deaths per 100,000 residents, a 90.1% increase. Mississippi had the largest percentage jump, rising 142.3%, from 5.2 to 12.6.
South Dakota’s increase amounted to 16.4 additional deaths per 100,000 residents. Although Mississippi’s percentage growth was greater, South Dakota’s 2024 rate was substantially higher.
How do neighboring states compare?
North Dakota ranked third for percentage growth at 84.9%. Minnesota ranked sixth at 67.7%, followed by Iowa in eighth at 61.2%.
The figures measure changes in age-adjusted death rates, rather than raw death totals. Alcohol-induced deaths cover alcohol-specific underlying causes and exclude traffic fatalities.
What does the study say about treatment access?
As MitchellNow previously reported, South Dakota was among 13 states above the study’s median for alcohol harm and below its median for facility-based treatment access.
That access measure considers treatment facilities per adult and Medicaid acceptance. It does not measure available beds, waiting times, travel distances or treatment quality.
In comments provided with the findings, Lantana Recovery Chief Operating Officer Lindsay Richerson emphasized recognizing problems early.
“Addressing alcohol abuse early on is key, starting with recognizing subtle indicators before they trigger catastrophic medical emergencies or irreversible behavioral impacts,” Richerson said.
She identified changes in mood or sleep, defensiveness about drinking and reliance on alcohol to manage stress as potential warning signs.
The findings are statewide and do not establish separate rates or treatment-access rankings for Mitchell or Davison County.