EpidemiologyofAlcoholProblemsintheUnitedStates.ppt

Epidemiology of Alcohol Problems in the United States Objectives Describe demographic characteristics and historical trends of alcohol use, alcohol abuse/dependence and other alcohol-related problems Identify the relationship between level of alcohol consumption and health effects Recognize the implications of utilizing epidemiological data for early interven-tion and prevention of alcohol problems, and for evaluating intervention impact Standard Drink Measure At Risk Drinking by Age and Gender Population group Men Women Elders (65+ ) Per week Per occasion 14 drinks 5 drinks 7 drinks 3-4 drinks 7 drinks 1 drink Drinking Patterns (Defined according to quantity frequency of alcohol consumption) Abstainer: has never drank or drinks once/yr Less Frequent: drinks 1-3 times/month and may or may not drink 5 or more drinks at least once/yr Frequent: drinks at least once a week and may or may not drink 5 or more drinks at one sitting Frequent Heavy Drinker: drinks at least once a week and has 5 or more drinks at one sitting at least once per week Drinking Episodes Defined (National Household Survey) Binge Drinking as 5 or more drinks per occasion Heavy alcohol use as 5 or more drinks for 5 or more days per month Drinking Episodes Defined (NIAAA Advisory Council Task Force) A drinking “binge” is a pattern of drinking that brings blood alcohol concentrations (BAC) to 0.08 or above. Typical adult males: 5 or more drinks in about 2 hours Typical adult females: 4 or more For some individuals, the number of drinks needed to reach “binge” level BAC is lower Drinking Episodes Defined (NIAAA Advisory Council Task Force) Binge drinking is distinct from: “risky” drinking (reaching a peak BAC between .05 gm% and .08 gm%) a “bender” (2 or more days of sustained heavy drinking) Drinking Episodes Defined (NIAAA Advisory Council Task Force) People with risk factors for the development of alcoholism have increased risk with any alcohol consumption, even t