Alcohol Use: Facts & Resources

Alcohol-Related Impact

• Deaths: There are approximately 88,000 alcohol-related deaths per year (2006–2010).
• Economic Cost: Excessive alcohol use costs the U.S. $249 billion in 2010.
  • Workplace productivity: $179 billion
  • Medical expenses: $28 billion
  • Criminal justice: $25 billion
  • Motor vehicle collisions: $13 billion

What is a Standard Drink?

A standard drink is defined by the volume and the approximate percentage of alcohol content:

• 12 fl oz of beer: about 5% alcohol
• 8–9 fl oz of malt liquor: about 7% alcohol
• 5 fl oz of wine: about 12% alcohol
• 1.5 fl oz shot (gin, rum, whiskey, vodka, etc.): about 40% alcohol

Consumption Patterns (2016 Data)

Underage Drinking (Ages 12 to 20)

• Reported alcohol use: 19.3% (7.3 million)
• Binge drinkers: 12.1% (4.5 million)
• Heavy drinkers: 2.8% (1 million)

Adults (Age 21 or Older)

• Reported alcohol use: 55.8% (129 million)
• Binge drinkers: 6.2% (60 million)
• Heavy drinkers: 6.6% (15 million)

Defining Excessive Drinking

• Binge Drinking:
  • Women: 4 or more drinks on one occasion
  • Men: 5 or more drinks on one occasion
• Heavy Drinking:
  • Women: 8 or more drinks per week
  • Men: 15 or more drinks per week

Resources and Educational Tools

SAMHSA “Talk. They Hear You.” Campaign

• Mobile Application: Features an interactive simulation using avatars to help parents practice talking to kids about underage drinking.
• Goals: Helps users practice bringing up the topic, learn which questions to ask, and get ideas for keeping the conversation going.

Alcohol FX Tablet Mobile Application

• Focus: A free, science-based app for tablets that teaches students ages 10–12 how alcohol can harm their brains.
• Setting: Intended for use in fifth- and sixth-grade classrooms and at home.

Talking With Your College-Bound Young Adult About Alcohol

• Format: A guide and video providing parents with information to discuss the consequences of underage drinking with students entering college.