ALCOHOL

The yearly cost of alcohol-related problems in the United States is as much as $300 billion, including accidents, health problems, lost productivity, crime, and treatment. There are more than 22,000 deaths from alcohol-related auto accidents per year, as well as almost 2 million nonfatal injuries and damage to almost 5 million vehicles. In addition, alcohol is responsible for almost 5% of missed work time, with a 25% decrease in work performance among heavy drinkers. Men and women who fulfill criteria for alcohol use disorders decrease their life span by approximately 15 years, with abuse and dependence responsible for almost 25% of premature deaths in men and 15% in women, figures that represent a three- to sixfold odds ratio of early death even among people with higher levels of education and socioeconomic functioning.