Which is the leading cause of death for Americans ages 15 - 44, and how does alcohol consumption contribute to these deaths?

• A. Unintentional injuries (accidents), because alcohol impairs judgment and coordination increasing crashes, overdoses, drownings, and falls. 
• B. Heart disease, because alcohol causes immediate heart attacks in young adults by rapidly raising blood pressure. 
• C. Cancer, because alcohol is the primary cause of most cancers in young adults and thus the leading cause of death. 
• D. Infectious diseases, because alcohol suppresses the immune system and makes young adults far more likely to die from infections.

Answer: (A)