Alcohol Use - Public Health and Safety Concerns
Alcohol Use and Responsibility
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend if you drink alcoholic beverages to do so in moderation which is defined as no more than one drink per day for women and no more than two drinks per day for men.
There are some individuals who should not drink any alcohol including those who are:
- pregnant or trying to become pregnant;
- taking prescription or over-the-counter medications that may cause harmful reactions when mixed with alcohol;
- under the age of 21;
- recovering from alcoholism or are unable to control the amount they drink;
- suffering from a medical condition that may be worsened by alcohol;
- driving, planning to drive, or participating in other activities requiring skill, coordination, or alertness.
Alcohol Use in Minneapolis
In Minneapolis, 37% of 9 th graders report alcohol use in the past year and 24% report alcohol use in the past 30 days. 21% of Minneapolis 9 th graders report riding in a car with friends who used alcohol or other drugs. (2007 Minnesota Student Survey)
Among Minneapolis adults, 17% report binge drinking (five or more drinks) more than once in the past 30 days. (2006 SHAPE Survey, Hennepin County)
Health and Safety Concerns
Alcohol is the third leading cause of death in the United States after tobacco, diet and physical inactivity. Alcohol use also contributes to the following health and safety issues:
- unintentional injuries from traffic accidents, falls, drownings, burns and firearms;
- violence toward partners and children;
- risky sexual behaviors, including unprotected sex, sex with multiple partners, and increased risk of sexual assault. These behaviors can lead to sexually transmitted infections and unintended pregnancy;
- miscarriage, still birth, and physical and mental birth defects;
- alcohol poisoning;
- cardiovascular and neurological problems;
- psychiatric disorders, including depression, anxiety and suicide;
- social issues, including unemployment, lost productivity, and family problems;
- cancer, liver disease and gastrointestinal problems.
(Information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)
Costs
In 2001 the Minnesota Department of Health estimated the economic costs of alcohol use in the state at $4.5 billion. This is 19 times greater than the tax revenue collected from alcohol sales and equates to approximately $900 per person in the state.
More information
Blood Alcohol Calculator, DrunkDrivingDefense.com
Blood Alcohol Calculator, Police Notebook
Alcohol and Public Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Alcohol and Other Drugs, Minnesota Department of Health
Minnesota Licensed Beverage Association
Minnesota Liquor Omnibus Bill, 340A.404 – This state statute identifies specific locations where on-sale liquor or wine licenses can be issued regardless of local restrictions.
Last updated May. 3, 2012