It might seem surprising, but glamorizing alcohol is still prevalent in 2024. Despite increasing awareness of the negative effects of excessive drinking, alcohol is often portrayed in media and marketing as a symbol of sophistication, relaxation, or success.

Now, another celebrity has jumped on the bandwagon by introducing yet another alcohol brand to the market - none other than Beyoncé. She has partnered with Louis Vuitton Moët Hennessy (LVMH) for her new endeavor, SirDavis Whisky. The brand is named after Davis Hogue, Beyoncé’s great-grandfather, a Prohibition-era farmer and moonshiner from the American South who “stashed whisky bottles in the empty knots of cedar trees for friends and kin to find and enjoy,” according to the release.

Beyoncé’s Instagram pictures promoting the brand are undeniably appealing, yet it’s worth questioning whether she fully considers the serious health and social issues related to alcohol abuse.

As the saying goes, “With great success comes great responsibility.” One has to wonder if this principle applies in this case.

The bigger question is: If Beyoncé were dealing with an alcoholic partner who was physically and mentally abusive, forcing her to barricade herself in a room to feel safe while pregnant, would she still be promoting another alcoholic beverage?

Let’s examine some of the less appealing hard data on alcohol and its consequences for our health and society as a whole.

Health Issues:

• Liver Disease: Chronic liver disease, including cirrhosis, is a leading cause of death related to alcohol. In 2022, liver disease was responsible for over 50,000 deaths in the U.S. Source: CDC.
• Cancer: Alcohol consumption is linked to about 19,500 cancer deaths annually in the U.S., including cancers of the mouth, throat, esophagus, liver, colon, and breast Source: American Cancer Society.

Mental Health Problems:

• Depression and Anxiety: Nearly 30% of individuals with alcohol use disorder also experience depression or anxiety disorders Source: NIH.

Addiction:

• Prevalence: Approximately 14.5 million adults aged 18 and older had alcohol use disorder in 2022 Source: National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA).

Accidents and Injuries:

• Traffic Fatalities: In 2021, alcohol was a factor in 30% of all traffic fatalities in the U.S., equating to over 11,000 deaths Source: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
• Falls and Other Injuries: Excessive alcohol use is a major contributor to accidental falls and injuries, accounting for approximately 18,000 deaths annually Source: CDC.

Social and Relationship Issues:

• Domestic Violence: Alcohol is a significant factor in 40-60% of domestic violence cases Source: National Coalition Against Domestic Violence.

Economic Costs:

• Economic Impact: The economic cost of excessive alcohol consumption in the U.S. was estimated to be about $249 billion in 2020, which includes healthcare costs, lost productivity, and criminal justice costs Source: CDC.

Impact on Families:

• Child Welfare: Around 1 in 5 children in the U.S. live with a parent who has a substance use disorder, including alcohol Source: National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA).

Legal Problems:

• DUI Arrests: In 2021, there were approximately 1 million arrests for driving under the influence of alcohol in the U.S. Source: FBI Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR).

Beyonce Knowles-Carter | Source:@Beyonce Instagram