The dividing line between use and misuse of alcohol remains undefined by researchers, and it is not always clear-cut for individuals. Even moderate alcohol use has associated risks.  

Facts
Policy
Resources

FACTS

• Close to two-thirds of Americans (61%) aged 18 or older reported being current drinkers of alcohol in 2004.   
• 23% of people aged 12 or older or 55 million people participated in binge drinking (consumption of five or more drinks on a single occasion) at least once in the past 30 days. Among those 18-25 years old, the percentage participating in binge drinking increases to 42%.
• 17,602 people in the U.S. died in alcohol-related motor vehicle crashes in 2006, representing 41% of all traffic-related deaths that year.
• In fatal crashes involving alcohol in 2006, where at least one driver was over the legal limit for alcohol (Blood Alcohol Content levels of 0.08 g/dl or higher), over half (54%) involved drivers aged 16-34 years old. 

Sources: 2005 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration; NHTSA, Traffic Safety Facts, 2006.

POLICY

• Increase the cost of alcoholic beverages

Increasing the cost of alcohol has been proven to reduce the level and frequency of underage drinking and the serious negative health consequences that result from it. Alcohol excise taxes have not kept pace with inflation, effectively reducing the real cost of alcoholic beverages. Read more.

• Partnership for Prevention finds that Screening for Alcohol Misuse and Brief Counseling is more effective and more cost effective than most other preventive services. Read more.
  
  
• Partnership for Prevention recommends increasing the cost of alcoholic beverages to reduce the level and frequency of underage drinking and the serious health consequences that result from it. Alcohol excise taxes have not kept pace with inflation, effectively reducing the real cost of alcoholic beverages. Read more.  

Other Alcohol Links:
http://www.cdc.gov/alcohol/resources.htm

http://www.niaaa.nih.gov

http://www.cspinet.org/alcohol

http://www.marininstitute.org