Shaky economy may drive more more people to drink: study
Past research has suggested that economic downturns mean less money for potentially unhealthy behaviours, such as smoking or excessive drinking.
After all, alcohol is expensive, so people are less able to afford it when they lose their jobs and money is short.
But a new study out of the University of Miami suggests that, rather than actually cut back, more people are likely to drown their financial sorrows in a down economy.
The study also discovered that binge drinking increased with a rise in the state-level unemployment rate. Driving while intoxicated and alcohol abuse and dependence also increased for both genders and across ethnic groups.
The study found that each 1% increase in the unemployment rate corresponded to a nearly 17% increase in cases of alcoholism or alcohol abuse and a 35% increase in rates of drunk driving.
*Bing: Why do people drink to excess?
Even individuals who are employed have more binge drinking days and are more likely to drive after having too much to drink during a bad economy, says Dr. Michael French.
Among the study’s other findings: Those aged between 18 and 24 years displaying the largest binge-drinking effect. At the same time, bingeing is more common as the educational level and income of individuals increase.
With unemployment on the rise and likely to stay high for awhile, alcohol abuse programs should prepare for an increased demand for their services, the researchers predict.
What's your experience? Is this pattern valid? Do tough times mean more drinking?
By Gordon Powers, MSN Money
Posted by: Dean | Oct 24, 2021 6:49:11 PM
I don't "hic" need "hic" a bad economiy "hic" as an excuse "hic" to drick! Hic, Brrrrp. I mean drink!
Posted by: no duh! | Oct 25, 2021 8:51:35 AM
Gee, no one remembers bathtub gin from the last great DEpression? As in people had NO money, but went to town (even during prohibition) brewing gin literally, in their bathtubs! Where there's a will, there is always a way to find what you want. Even if it's unhealthy, risky, dangerous or emminently at cross purposes to your actual relief. Drinking (to excess) doesnt really make the problems any less, nor disappear, but they might get forgotten for a little while.
Posted by: Jimbo Jones | Oct 25, 2021 8:07:44 PM
Good. Let's kick all the international bank losers in the nuts and pressure Harper to grow some balls and do something good for the country for once. All politicians are bought and paid for - they don't care about our economy, they care about Swiss bank accounts. No one has balls enough to admit this yet we all know it is true. Stop the facade Harper and take our economy back from the evil tentacles of control you so easily bow to. But no, he wants to create a new America in Canada! Let see how this "America" turns out shall we?? Do research people, a great American president of past once said, "The greatest conspiracy is one so unbelievable that no one would ever believe it." He was trying to tell us something ... what is it that you are not believing ... but maybe should be?? Think about it. Knowledge is power - educate yourself - our systems don't do that anymore.
Posted by: Descartes | Oct 25, 2021 8:33:08 PM
I drink, therefore I am.
Posted by: jason | Oct 25, 2021 9:14:44 PM
This is a american study and does not apply here in Canada, our unemployment rates are lower and so is not valid here, of course our culture in not american either again it is not apply
Posted by: MexicanRose | Oct 26, 2021 9:42:23 AM
Like drinking would solve the problem...not. If someone is losing money in the stock markets...consult with your investment company. In 99% of the cases, it's best to hold on; don't to anything rational. Eventually, the markets will turn upward again. After all, we as individuals cannot control what's going on in the world. Surely, your investment company is well reputed, & they have investors who know where & where not to invest. Your portfolio should not have 'all your eggs in one basket'.
It may not give you solace; but keep in mind..you are not the only one who has lost money. If you made a $7,000.00 profit for example...& you've lost $5,000.00; you're still $2,000.00 UP. It's PROFIT...it has not eaten into your capital. Relax!!! Things will turn around...it's just a matter of time.
Posted by: To Jason: | Oct 29, 2021 4:47:09 PM
It DOES apply here in Canada. Our culture IS very much like American culture. Almost identical.
Our unemployment rates are lower BUT so is our population. QUIT trying to be anti-American.