HEALTH RISK

Alcohol is implicated in nearly half of all deaths caused by motor vehicle crashes and fatal intentional injuries such as suicides and homicides; and victims are intoxicated in approximately one-third of all homicides, drownings, and boating deaths. Alcohol is the principal contributor to cirrhosis, which is the ninth leading cause of death in the United States. Alcohol use during pregnancy is the leading preventable cause of birth defects. Homeless alcohol abusers are at substantially increased risk of trauma, victimization, hypothermia, frostbite, and tuberculosis infection. Alcohol and other drug abuse may be both a cause and an effect of homelessness.

ALCOHOL USE IN ALASKA

Definitions used in this survey: Acute (Binge) Drinking: Respondents who report having five or more drinks on an occasion, one or more times in the past month. Chronic Drinking: Respondents who report an average of 60 or more alcoholic drinks a month. Drinking and Driving: Respondents who report having driven after having too much to drink, one or more times in the past month.

An estimated 23.9% of Alaskan adults were reported as binge drinkers, engaged in acute drinking. This was one of the highest prevalence rates of acute drinking among the states participating in the BRFSS. (National BRFSS Range 5.41 to 25.75%, National BRFSS Median 14.29%). Of the males 34.7% were binge drinkers and of the females 11.7% were binge drinkers.

An estimated 5.2% of Alaskan adults were at risk for chronic drinking. Of males, 9.2% had more than 60 drinks during the past month and of females, <1%. (National BRFSS Range 1.69 to 6.76%, National BRFSS Median 2.91%).The overall prevalence of drinking and driving among Alaskan adults is estimated at 2.8%. Of the persons who reported drinking during the previous month, 4.4% reported driving after having had too much to drink.

YEAR 2000 NATIONAL HEALTH OBJECTIVES

The Year 2000 Health Objectives relate to health status, risk reduction, and service and protection to reduce alcohol and other drug problems. The health objectives do not relate to alcohol consumption as defined by the 1992 BRFSS.

Source: State of Alaska, Division of Public Health, Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS), 1992.