Trends in Binge and Heavy Drinking among Adults in the United States, 2011–2017

Abstract

Background: Alcohol misuse is one of the leading causes of preventable death in the United States each year. Objectives: In the present study, we examine trends in binge and heavy drinking. We used data from the 2011–2017 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System. For trend analyses, we used logistic regression for heavy drinking and binge drinking variables. Joinpoint model analysis was conducted to identify where significant changes in trend occurred. Results: The trend analysis indicated that the overall prevalence of binge drinking decreased significantly from 18.3% in 2011 to 16.0% in 2014, then increased significantly to 17.0% in 2017. This trend was also found for heavy drinking, with a significant decrease from 6.6% in 2011 to 5.8% in 2014, then increased significantly to 6.2% in 2017. This trend persisted for certain subgroups; males, females, White participants, and the 35–54 age group all had a similar decrease in prevalence followed by an increase from 2014–2017. Conclusions: Overall, our results indicate a recent significant increase in both binge and heavy drinking among the general population.

Associations Between Psychiatric Disorders and Alcohol Consumption Levels in an Adult Primary Care Population

“…In bivariate analyses, we examined distributions of patient demographic and health characteristics by alcohol consumption levels. Consistent with prior studies (Azagba et al, 2020; Grant et al, 2017; McKee et al, 2007), higher proportions of men, younger patients (18 to 34 vs. ≥65 years), and patients who smoke exceeded only daily limits and both daily and weekly limits relative to the overall sample. We also found differences in risk profiles among patients with unhealthy alcohol use.…”

“…In bivariate analyses, we examined distributions of patient demographic and health characteristics by alcohol consumption levels. Consistent with prior studies (Azagba et al, 2020; Psychiatric disorders were identified using ICD-9-CM and ICD-10-CM codes in the electronic health record in the year prior to (and including) the date of the alcohol screening visit. b…”

The Kaiser Permanente Northern California Adult Alcohol Registry, an Electronic Health Records-Based Registry of Patients With Alcohol Problems: Development and Implementation

“…The KPNC Adult Alcohol Registry can evaluate the full course of alcohol problems, longitudinally and comprehensively, including early identification, initiation and engagement in treatment (including psychiatry, addiction medicine, and pharmacotherapy), and long-term outcomes (eg, drinking, physical and mental well-being), which are critical to understanding recovery. The prevalence of unhealthy alcohol use was 13%, which falls within the range reported by prior studies of the general US population (6%-28%) [ 16 , 17 ]. However, the prevalence of AUD diagnoses in our population (3%) was lower than the 2012-2013 prevalence of Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-5 (DSM-5) AUD (13.9% [ 32 ]) and DSM-IV AUD (12.6%, [ 18 ]) estimated from surveys of the general US population, which might be because diagnoses in health systems depend on clinician assessment and diagnosis during utilization of health care services.…”

“…Alcohol can also impact the course of disease progression, management, and treatment outcomes for a range of conditions, including diabetes [ 12 ], depression [ 13 , 14 ], and anxiety [ 15 ]. While the prevalence of excessive alcohol use in the general US population ranges from 6% to 28% (depending on the definition and whether individuals with an AUD diagnosis are included) [ 16 , 17 ], there is evidence that it is increasing [ 17 , 18 ]. Therefore, alcohol problems are a significant public health concern that would benefit from being the primary focus of a disease registry.…”

Reduction of Cell Proliferation by Acute C2H6O Exposure

“…Each year, 3.3 million deaths worldwide are attributable to alcohol consumption, with an expected increasing trend over the next decade [ 72 ]. A recent study reported an increase in binge drinking behavior among the general population [ 73 ]. In particular, binge drinking is commonly diffused among younger adults.…”