Excessive drinking costs US $249bn annually

Excessive alcohol consumption has become a “drain” on the US economy costing US$249 billion in 2010, according to a new study.

Over-consumption of alcohol is a “drain” on the US economy, study finds

The research, conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), revealed that over-consumption of alcohol costs the US economy approximately US$2.05 per drink in 2010.

This was a marked increase from US$1.90 in 2006, equating to US£223.5bn overall.

The majority of these costs were incurred through reduced workplace productivity, crime and the cost of treating people for health problems caused by excessive drinking.

“This 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 Programme 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.”

Furthermore, the study determined that excessive alcohol consumption causes approximately 88,000 deaths each year, including 1 in 10 deaths among working-age Americans aged 20-64.

Excessive alcohol consumption cost states and the District of Colombia US$3.5bn in 2010, ranging from US$488 million in North Dakota to US$35bn in California.

Washington DC reported the highest cost per person of US$1,526 in comparison to US807 national average.

Meanwhile, New Mexico was found to have the highest cost per drink of US$2.77 compared to the US$2.05 national average.

The researchers compiled their cost estimates based on changes in the occurrence of alcohol-related problems and the cost of paying for them since 2006.

However the authors believe these costs have been underestimated because information on alcohol is frequently underreported or unavailable.