Mark drove into the side of an SUV traveling across the intersection. Both Mark and Chris were severely injured and a passenger in the SUV was killed. In a CDC report released in 2010, the estimated economic cost of excessive alcohol consumption was around:
$149 million
$134 billion
$249 billion
$856 million
The correct answer and explanation is:
The correct answer is \$134 billion.
Excessive alcohol consumption imposes a significant economic burden on society, as highlighted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in a 2010 report. The economic costs of alcohol consumption can be broken down into several categories, including healthcare expenses, lost productivity, law enforcement costs, and the costs associated with alcohol-related accidents.
Healthcare costs refer to the treatment and management of alcohol-related health conditions, such as liver disease, heart problems, and alcohol poisoning. These conditions often require long-term medical care and contribute to rising healthcare expenses.
Lost productivity is another major factor contributing to the economic burden. Alcohol consumption can lead to missed workdays, decreased efficiency, and even premature disability or death, which directly affects the economy by reducing the available workforce and limiting economic output.
Law enforcement costs, including those related to alcohol-related crimes (such as driving under the influence or violent behavior), contribute to the overall economic toll. The legal system must handle cases of impaired driving and related accidents, which also impose significant costs on public resources.
Additionally, alcohol-related accidents, such as the one involving Mark and Chris, have both direct and indirect costs. Direct costs include medical treatment, emergency response, and property damage, while indirect costs include lost wages, reduced quality of life, and the impact on families and communities.
In the 2010 CDC report, it was estimated that the total economic cost of excessive alcohol consumption in the U.S. amounted to \$134 billion, primarily due to these factors. This figure underscores the serious public health and economic challenges posed by excessive alcohol use.