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International Journal of Public Health

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01-06-2010 | Review

Social cost of heavy drinking and alcohol dependence in high-income countries

Authors: Satya Mohapatra, Jayadeep Patra, Svetlana Popova, Amy Duhig, Jürgen Rehm

Published in: International Journal of Public Health | Issue 3/2010

Abstract

Objective

A comprehensive review of cost drivers associated with alcohol abuse, heavy drinking, and alcohol dependence for high-income countries was conducted.

Method

The data from 14 identified cost studies were tabulated according to the potential direct and indirect cost drivers. The costs associated with alcohol abuse, alcohol dependence, and heavy drinking were calculated.

Results

The weighted average of the total societal cost due to alcohol abuse as percent gross domestic product (GDP)—purchasing power parity (PPP)—was 1.58%. The cost due to heavy drinking and/or alcohol dependence as percent GDP (PPP) was estimated to be 0.96%.

Conclusions

On average, the alcohol-attributable indirect cost due to loss of productivity is more than the alcohol-attributable direct cost. Most of the countries seem to incur 1% or more of their GDP (PPP) as alcohol-attributable costs, which is a high toll for a single factor and an enormous burden on public health. The majority of alcohol-attributable costs incurred as a consequence of heavy drinking and/or alcohol dependence. Effective prevention and treatment measures should be implemented to reduce these costs.

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Title: Social cost of heavy drinking and alcohol dependence in high-income countries
Authors: Satya Mohapatra
Jayadeep Patra
Svetlana Popova
Amy Duhig
Jürgen Rehm
Publication date: 01-06-2010
Publisher: SP Birkhäuser Verlag Basel
Published in: International Journal of Public Health / Issue 3/2010
Print ISSN: 1661-8556
Electronic ISSN: 1661-8564
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00038-009-0108-9

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Social cost of heavy drinking and alcohol dependence in high-income countries

Abstract

Objective

Method

Results

Conclusions

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Objective

Method

Results

Conclusions

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