We need to educate the public, policymakers, and law enforcement about the scope of the problem
According to a new study published in JAMA Psychiatry, increases in alcohol use, high-risk drinking, and DSM-IV AUD in the US population and among subgroups, especially women, older adults, racial/ethnic minorities, and the socioeconomically disadvantaged, constitute a public health crisis. Taken together, these findings portend a public health crisis.
“Prevalence of 12-Month Alcohol Use, High-Risk Drinking, and DSM-IV Alcohol Use Disorder in the United States, 2001-2002 to 2012-2013” authored by Bridget F. Grant, PhD, S. Patricia Chou, et al. on August 9, 2017, published their findings from a national epidemiological survey on alcohol and related conditions. The study data were derived from face-to-face interviews conducted in 2 nationally representative surveys of US adults. Here are the key takeaways:
- There have been substantial increases in alcohol use, high-risk drinking, and DSM-IV alcohol use disorder. DSM-IV Alcohol Abuse includes a negative pattern of alcohol abuse leading to clinical impairment or distress, as manifested by recurrent alcohol-related legal problems (e.g., arrests for alcohol-related disorderly conduct).
- Alcohol use and specifically high-risk drinking, which often leads to alcohol use disorder (AUD), are significant contributors to the burden of disease in the United States and worldwide.
- In view of the seriousness of the numerous physical and psychiatric harms of high-risk drinking and AUD, regular and detailed monitoring of their trends over time is imperative for the health of the nation.
- The study’s authors contend that we need to keep monitoring the problem. While there have been increases among all segments, the increase was particularly striking among women, where the study found increases of 57.9% in high-risk drinking and 83.7% increase in alcohol use disorder (AUD).
In addition to being a public health crisis, the rise in alcohol abuse has cost the economy approximately $250 billion over the past decade. We need to develop prevention and intervention strategies and educate the public, policymakers, and health care professionals about high-risk drinking and the need to seek treatment. It would make sense to review our laws and work together with law enforcement.
For further review of the study (source):
Jama Network: http://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamapsychiatry/fullarticle/2647079
DSM Criteria for Alcohol Abuse: http://www.alcoholcostcalculator.org/business/about/dsm.html
Monthly Archives
- October 2023
- July 2023
- June 2023
- May 2023
- March 2023
- October 2021
- February 2018
- December 2017
- August 2017
- June 2017
- April 2017
- March 2017
- January 2017
- November 2016
- October 2015
- September 2015
- August 2015
- July 2015
- June 2015
- May 2015
- April 2015
- March 2015
- February 2015
- January 2015
- December 2014
- November 2014
- October 2014
- September 2014
- August 2014