Externalities from Alcohol Consumption in the 2005 US National Alcohol Survey: Implications for Policy

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health

Thomas K. Greenfield²  Yu Ye²  William Kerr²  Jason Bond²  Jürgen Rehm¹ 

[1] Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, 33 Russell Street, Toronto, Ontario, M5S 2S1, Canada; E-Mails:;Alcohol Research Group, 6475 Christie Avenue, Suite 400, Emeryville, CA 94608, USA; E-Mails:

关键词: externalities;    alcohol consumption;    heavy drinking;    population survey;    impact;    policy;    economics;    cost;    environment;    US;   

DOI  :  10.3390/ijerph6123205

来源: mdpi

【 摘 要 】

A subsample (n = 2,550) of the 2005 US National Alcohol Survey of adults was used to estimate prevalence and correlates of six externalities from alcohol abuse––family problems, assaults, accompanying intoxicated driver, vehicular accident, financial problems and vandalized property––all from another’s drinking. On a lifetime basis, 60% reported externalities, with a lower 12-month rate (9%). Women reported more family/marital and financial impacts and men more assaults, accompanying drunk drivers, and accidents. Being unmarried, older, white and ever having monthly heavy drinking or alcohol problems was associated with more alcohol externalities. Publicizing external costs of drinking could elevate political will for effective alcohol controls.

【 授权许可】

CC BY   
© 2009 by the authors; licensee Molecular Diversity Preservation International, Basel, Switzerland.