16 Unhealthy Drinking Habits

There are many factors that predispose individuals to alcohol abuse, and among those factors is gender. Studies have shown that men usually have higher rates of alcohol use and binge drinking in comparison to women, with the greatest risk among older men. In fact, in the United States, male drinkers typically have about three times as much pure alcohol as women do (White, 2020). Globally, about 107 million people have an alcohol use disorder, but 70% of those suffering are men (Ritchie & Roser, 2018).

This image compares alcohol use rates between men and women in the United States.

“Gender Differences in the Epidemiology of Alcohol Use and Related Harms in the United States” by Aaron M. White is in the Public Domain,

Since men are struggling with alcohol use and are suffering from the consequences, it is important to look at factors beyond gender that influence these rates. One of the most studied factors is racial background. A recent study observed that Whites reported the highest prevalence of recent alcohol consumption; however, Native Americans showed the highest rates for alcohol dependence and abuse. In addition, both Native Americans and African Americans were the most at risk for alcohol-related health outcomes (Delker et al., 2016).

Another study found that although Blacks were less likely to drink over the span of their lives, among those that did drink were most likely to binge drink. In contrast, White individuals were less likely to binge drink, but more likely to drink consistently over time (Pamplin et al., 2020). These patterns show that that males of a minority race are most at risk for these unhealthy drinking habits, as well as the health risks that follow.

Another factor that affects alcohol use rates among men is income and socioeconomic status (SES). Elliot and Lowman (2015) suggest that people of higher SES and income typically abuse alcohol less, due to an internal locus of control. This means that they feel in control of their lives. In contrast, those of a lower SES have more of an external locus of control, believing their lives are controlled by luck. This external locus of control decreases their sense of personal control and is linked to greater alcohol use. Thus, this study found that those of lower income were more likely to become alcohol dependent (Elliot et al., 2015). However, it is important to note that some factors may protect against unhealthy alcohol consumption. For example, research shows that religious affiliations are protective against alcohol abuse for people of a lower SES, more so than those with higher SES (Elliot et al., 2015).

An important piece that influences income is level of education. Baker (2014) explains that higher education is associated with higher SES and income, and that more educated people are healthier due to their ability to recognize health risks. Additionally, higher income is related to overall better health (Baker, 2014), which demonstrates that even when those of lower income and SES consume less alcohol, they experience worse health effects (Collins, 2016). For these reasons, it will be important to use prevention methods on an educational level.

Since men are two times more likely to experience financial stress (Parker & Stepler, 2017), the impact that low income and low SES can have specifically on men is damaging. Financial stress, and other forms of stress, can often lead to unhealthy coping mechanisms. Unfortunately for men, one of those top mechanisms is consuming alcohol.

Prevention that targets unhealthy drinking habits have proven successful at the policy level. One study showed that, especially among men, raising alcohol prices decreased alcohol consumption and alcohol-related health problems (Mäkelä et al., 2015). In fact, an analysis of 112 different studies that enforced this type of intervention, stated “we know of no other preventive intervention to reduce drinking that has the same numbers of studies and consistency of effects seen in the literature on alcohol taxes and prices” (Wagenaar et al., 2009). Due to such consistent positive responses from this intervention, raising alcohol prices nationwide should be more heavily considered to target male alcohol abuse. Since individuals with lower incomes and SES typically struggle with unhealthy drinking habits and health-related effects, this increase in alcohol prices has potential to target this population. Due to a reduction in drinking rates from policy prevention, specifically among men, the changeability of this intervention could be very reliable and successful.

Prevention at the organization level involves techniques used in workplaces, schools, churches, and other organizations. Targeting men outside of their home life, and in an organization with their peers, is a beneficial way to provide help. One study looked at religious involvement and how it influences alcohol use among African American populations (Busby et al., 2021). Although the study found that religious involvement might not decrease alcohol use, it does recognize the important effect these organizations can have on alcohol use, especially among minority populations. Furthermore, Roman and Blum (n.d.) from the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism explain that the workplace provides strong potential for prevention programs. One strategy already successful is the use of the employer assistance programs (EAPs). EAPs offer confidential assessments, counseling, and follow-up services to support employee health and maintain productivity.

Moving forward, it is crucial to expand prevention programs on both policy and organizational levels, due to their present success. However, it would also be beneficial to utilize prevention at the interpersonal level, as numerous studies have shown that interpersonal interactions with family members, friends, and those in the immediate community have a strong impact on alcohol consumption, especially among racial minorities (Busby et al., 2021). Working to provide all men with a supportive and caring community can positively influence drinking habits and their overall health.