Alcoholism - Risk Factors

Socioeconomic Factors

Alcoholism is not restricted to any social or economic levels. For example, a thorough 1996 study reported that no higher prevalence of alcoholism among adult welfare recipients than in the general population (about 7%). There was also no difference in prevalence between African Americans and Caucasians in low-income groups. On the other hand, people in low-income groups who drank did display some tendencies that differed from the general population of drinkers. For instance, in one study as many women as men were heavy drinkers in lower income groups. Excessive drinking may also be more dangerous in lower income groups. One study found that alcohol was a major factor in the higher death rate of people, particularly men, in lower socioeconomic groups compared with those in higher groups.

Geographic Factors

Although 54% of urban adults use alcohol at least once a month compared to 42% in nonurban areas, living in the city or the country does not affect the risks for bingeing or heavy alcohol use. One study reported that people in the north central US are at highest risk for heavy drinking (6.4% heavy use and 19% binge drinking), and those in the Northeast have the lowest risk (4.5% heavy use and 13% binge drinking).

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