Excessive alcohol use continues to be a drain on the American economy, according to a study released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Excessive drinking cost the US US$249 billion in 2010, or US$2.05 per drink, an increase from US$223.5 billion, or US$1.90 per drink, in 2006.
Most of these costs were due to reduced workplace productivity, crime, and the cost of treating people for health problems caused by excessive drinking.
Binge drinking, defined as drinking five or more drinks on one occasion for men or four or more drinks on one occasion for women, was responsible for most of these costs (77%).
Two of every US$5 of costs — over $100 billion — were paid by governments.
“The increase in the costs of excessive drinking from 2006 to 2010 is concerning, particularly given the severe economic recession that occurred during these years,” said Robert Brewer, head of CDC’s Alcohol Program and one of the study’s authors.
“Effective prevention strategies can reduce excessive drinking and related costs in states and communities, but they are under used.”
Excessive alcohol consumption is responsible for an average of 88,000 deaths each year, including one in 10 deaths among working-age Americans ages 20-64.
