Researchers who recently pored over a couple of old studies (2002 and 1992) regarding alcohol consumption in the U.S. found some captivating results:
- The overall percentage of whites, blacks, and Hispanics who drink alcohol has increased since the 1990s.
- The number of drinks consumed per week has increased only among whites.
- The number of binge drinkers (consuming five or more drinks per day at least once per month) has increased among whites, blacks, and Hispanics. White men who had 5 drinks or more in one day at least once a week increased from 9 percent in 1992 to 14 percent in 2002. A similar increase was reported for Hispanic men.
- About 64 percent of white men drank any alcohol in 2002 (average of 22 drinks per month), while 60 percent of Hispanic men (18 drinks per month) and 53 percent of black men (18 drinks per month) did the same. A total of 47 percent of white women drank any alcohol (6 drinks per month), compared to 32 percent of Hispanics (3.5 drinks per month) and 30 percent of blacks (5 drinks per month).
- About 20 percent of white men drank to intoxication at least once a month in 2002, less than Hispanics and blacks (13 percent).
Researchers and other experts in alcoholism surmised that drinking in the U.S. has only increased since the latest study in 2002 due to the economic downturn and increased joblessness. The studies showed that people who live alone, are unemployed, are less educated and born in the U.S. are more likely to drink, and drink heavily.
Experts who analyze statistics involving alcohol state that the increase in binge drinking should be further analyzed, keeping alcohol abuse and increased preventive treatment options in mind.
One professor of sociology said society may be more accepting of alcohol consumption and overconsumption despite aggressive DUI laws and greater public awareness of the negative consequences of driving drunk. While drug education and treatment has been well funded and visible, the professor said, the emphasis on alcohol misuse may now warrant the same attention.
Both the 1992 and 2002 studies included about 43,000 adults. The study is published online and will appear in the October issue of Alcoholism: Clinical & Experimental Research.
We specialize in providing our over 1,000,000 customers with relevant product and condition information created by our professional editorial staff which includes our team of medical writers, medical practitioners, and health educators. eDrugStore.com Staff on Facebook