More Americans Are Binge Drinking

A study that compares the number of alcohol drinking adults increased in 2002 when compared to 1992. It appears that more people are drinking alcohol, stated Rhonda Jones, an epidemiologist and alcohol expert at the University of Minnesota. The number of drinks consumed each month, however, remains the same. This would indicate that even though more adults are drinking, they are consuming fewer drinks.

The study did not indicate any specific cause for the increase. It could well be associated with concerns over financial problems and the economy. It would be interesting to compare drinking adults over the last eight years to the 2002 data. Number of drinking adults could have increased further since 2002. Dr. Stephen Bahr, from Brigham Young University believes it could also be related to society’s acceptance of alcohol consumption. Education concerns have focused more on drug use and less on alcohol.

The increase was similar for whites, blacks and Hispanics. Alcoholic beverages are more likely to be consumed by people who are unemployed or live alone. Officials express concern that alcohol consumption could become problematic in the future. It is something that needs to be addressed one official stated. One positive change revealed by the study, binge drinking appears to be declining despite the increase number of drinking adults.