Adolescent Substance Abuse Articles
Certain steps may reduce alcoholism's toll on society
By Staff Writer
From the cost of running alcohol and drug rehab facilities to the emotional burden an addiction can take on family and friends, the economic and social toll of alcoholism remains high. Researchers behind a recent analysis of the effects alcohol has on Canada's healthcare system have outlined several steps that may reduce the substance's impact on society.
The analysis, which was conducted by Canadian researchers, appears in the Canadian Medical Association Journal. The country's estimated direct healthcare costs of alcohol in 2002 were $3.3 billion with indirect costs totaling $14.6 billion, according to the analysis.
To help lower these numbers, the researchers proposed several public health policies. For instance, they recommend prices that reflect an alcohol's strength and keep up with inflation. Placing limits on alcohol marketing and promotion, eliminating discount pricing, restricting geographic access and more effective drunk-driving penalties were all additional suggestions.
According to the researchers, reducing the toll of alcoholism must involve an approach that combines population-level policies, targeted interventions and special services for high-risk drinkers.
These initiatives may also help in the U.S., where alcohol abuse costs the nation approximately $185 billion on an annual basis, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse.
