PMID: 6414012Sep 1, 1983Paper

Health promotion: Alcohol and drug misuse prevention

Public Health Reports

Abstract

Currently, average apparent consumption of alcohol for all persons older than 14 is 10 percent higher than 10 years ago, and is equivalent to about 2.75 gallons of ethanol per person per year. Approximately 10 million adult Americans (i.e., 7 percent of those 18 or older) can be considered problem drinkers. Youthful problem drinkers, aged 14 to 17, are estimated to number more than 3 million and comprise 19 percent of this age group. In addition to the social costs, the economic costs to society as a result of alcohol misuse are substantial--an estimated +49.4 billion in 1977. Ten percent of all deaths in the United States are alcohol-related. Cirrhosis, which is largely attributable to alcohol consumption, ranks among the 10 leading causes of death. Alcohol use also is associated with cancer of the liver, pancreas, esophagus, and mouth. Alcohol consumption during pregnancy is associated with a wide range of possible harmful effects to the fetus--among them decreased birth weight, spontaneous abortion, and physical and mental birth defects. Drug misuse is also an expanding problem. There are some 16 million current marijuana users. The popularity of cocaine continues to increase--over 10 million Americans have tried cocaine at ...Continue Reading

Related Concepts

Related Feeds

Birth Defects

Birth defects encompass structural and functional alterations that occur during embryonic or fetal development and are present since birth. The cause may be genetic, environmental or unknown and can result in physical and/or mental impairment. Here is the latest research on birth defects.

Alcohol Use Disorder

Alcohol use disorder involves a pattern of alcohol consumption that includes compulsive use and a loss of control over intake of alcohol. The impact on physical health, socioeconomic factors, and psychiatric health is profound. Find the latest research on alcohol use disorder here.

Addiction

This feed focuses mechanisms underlying addiction and addictive behaviour including heroin and opium dependence, alcohol intoxication, gambling, and tobacco addiction.

Related Papers

The Journal of Behavioral Health Services & Research
Robert A MatanoShelly D Whitsell
JAMA : the Journal of the American Medical Association
J P PierceR M Davis
Journal of Adolescent Health Care : Official Publication of the Society for Adolescent Medicine
L D JohnstonJ G Bachman
Proceedings of the Association of American Physicians
J M McGinnis, W H Foege
© 2021 Meta ULC. All rights reserved