Excessive alcohol consumption is a more significant issue in the United States than many people realize. According to the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, about 17% of adults report binge drinking in the past month, while over half have consumed alcohol during the same period. However, a lack of awareness about the medical definition of excessive alcohol use suggests that the actual number of those drinking excessively and engaging in unsafe behaviors could be much higher.
The Alcohol-Related Disease Impact Survey reveals that from 2006 to 2010, excessive alcohol use resulted in over 88,000 deaths, accounting for 1 in 10 deaths among working-age adults and leading to approximately 2.5 million lost years of life. Excessive alcohol consumption also poses significant risks to underage drinkers and pregnant women. Additionally, the societal and economic impacts of excessive and binge drinking are substantial and often underestimated when considering the full effects. Here are some statistics on the economic costs of excessive alcohol consumption:
The economic burden of alcohol consumption is far higher than many realize. For employers, the impact on workplace productivity is particularly concerning, as substance use may significantly contribute to lost productivity.
According to Fortune.com, Americans are drinking more than ever, which could lead to higher costs for the healthcare system and businesses. A study published in JAMA Psychiatry suggests that up to 30 million adults binge drink at least once a week, surpassing the population of every state except California. Despite a decline in underage drinking, alcohol consumption among adults, particularly the elderly, minorities, and those from lower income or education backgrounds, has risen significantly. Notable statistics from the study include:
These rising trends in alcohol consumption and associated costs are having a detrimental effect on society. Yet, lawmakers have been slow to address these issues compared to efforts targeting opioids, smoking, or illegal drugs. Jurgen Rehm, senior director at the Institute for Mental Health Policy Research, emphasizes that the societal response is not proportional to the scale of the problem.
“The response of society should be commensurate with the level of the problem,” Rehm states. “Yet there is no national strategy in the U.S. that matches the high-profile efforts to combat opioids, smoking, or illegal drugs. Alcohol remains overlooked.”
The problem may partly stem from a cultural acceptance of drinking and a tendency to view addiction as a personal flaw rather than a medical condition. For example, only about 20% of those reporting alcohol dependency have sought treatment, compared to approximately 60% of individuals with depression. The stigma surrounding alcoholism and addiction persists, leading many to avoid discussing these issues with their doctors.
Guidelines for Excessive Alcohol Consumption
Excessive drinking encompasses binge drinking, heavy drinking, and alcohol consumption by pregnant women or individuals under 21. Interestingly, many who engage in excessive drinking are not necessarily alcoholics or dependent on alcohol. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) define excessive alcohol consumption as follows:
○ For women: 4 or more drinks on a single occasion.
○ For men: 5 or more drinks on a single occasion.
○ For women: 8 or more drinks per week.
○ For men: 15 or more drinks per week.
How Can We Reduce the Costs of Excessive Drinking?
Addressing excessive alcohol consumption is challenging, but similar to successful changes in smoking habits, seat belt use, and reducing drunk driving, it is possible to make a significant impact. By tackling the issue from multiple angles, we can help prevent many cases of excessive drinking. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend the following strategies, supported by research and evidence from similar public health efforts:
Why Are More Americans Drinking?
There isn’t a single reason for the increase in alcohol consumption, but several factors may contribute. Some researchers suggest that economic stress following the Great Recession has influenced drinking habits. Additionally, aggressive marketing and widespread availability of diverse alcoholic beverages, such as flavored vodkas and hard lemonades, have made alcohol more accessible.
Historically, America has had a strong drinking culture. Even the founding fathers, like George Washington, were known for their alcohol consumption. Washington reportedly drank a bottle of wine nightly and allocated about 7% of his income to alcohol. His estate was once the largest whiskey producer in America. According to Smithsonian magazine, colonial Americans may have consumed roughly three times as much alcohol as modern Americans, mainly in the form of beer, cider, and whiskey.
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration estimates that around 1.2 million college students engage in alcohol consumption. Furthermore, 63% of college students reported drinking alcohol in the past month, with 41% admitting to being intoxicated at least once during their college years. Additionally, one-third of college students reported binge drinking within the last month.
From a policy perspective, alcohol does not receive the same level of attention as tobacco, narcotics, or prescription drugs. However, it causes more deaths annually than drug overdoses. The societal response should reflect the extent of the harm caused, yet no comprehensive strategy currently addresses this issue. Alcohol often remains overlooked and under-addressed.
The Health Costs
Excessive alcohol consumption can lead to significant healthcare costs and serious health issues. Prolonged heavy drinking can result in severe brain damage. A common issue among alcoholics is thiamine deficiency (vitamin B1), which is crucial for brain function. Thiamine is found in foods like meat, poultry, whole grains, nuts, dried beans, peas, and soybeans. Up to 80% of alcoholics develop this deficiency, which can lead to Wernicke–Korsakoff syndrome.
This syndrome manifests as mental confusion, eye nerve paralysis, and difficulties with muscle coordination. As the condition progresses—affecting 80-90% of those afflicted—it leads to chronic problems with learning, motor functions, and memory. Additionally, the liver, which processes alcohol, can suffer from prolonged dysfunction. This may result in liver cirrhosis and further impact brain function.
Long-term alcohol use and dependency also lead to psychological and social issues, such as antisocial behavior, irritability, chronic dishonesty, and difficulties maintaining jobs and relationships. Prolonged use can foster destructive behaviors, including promiscuity, driving under the influence, and domestic violence. Withdrawal from alcohol can cause negative side effects like shakiness, insomnia, irritability, fatigue, anxiety, sweating, nausea, headaches, depression, and loss of appetite.
According to research from the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation at the University of Washington, deaths attributable to alcohol increased by 35% from 2007 to 2017, with the death rate rising by about 24%. The total number of alcohol-related deaths among women surged by 85%, highlighting a significant rise in binge drinking among women. While death rates among men increased by 29%, deaths among teenagers decreased by approximately 16%.
Alcoholism in the United States
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) defines heavy alcohol use as binge drinking on five or more days within the past month. Binge drinking, as previously defined, involves consuming alcohol in amounts that exceed the limits set by the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA). Another indicator of alcoholism is consistently reaching a Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) above 0.08 on more than five occasions per week.
The NIAAA reports that approximately 72% of individuals experience a period of heavy drinking—usually between the ages of 18 and 24—that they eventually outgrow. While this pattern is typical for many, alcoholics often continue or escalate their drinking behaviors. High Functioning Alcoholics (HFAs) are those who manage to maintain their daily responsibilities despite their addiction, often downplaying their drinking as a hobby or occasional indulgence. However, alcoholism is defined by the individual’s relationship with alcohol, not by how it appears to others. Signs of alcoholism to be aware of include:
If you or a loved one is struggling with alcohol dependence, local rehab centers can provide appropriate detoxification and rehabilitation programs quickly, discreetly, and close to home if desired. Sunrise Recovery in Clarksville Indiana is dedicated to helping individuals overcome substance dependence and reclaim their lives. If you have concerns about your own or a loved one’s drinking patterns, seek help from professionals who can offer support and treatment.
