Alcohol and health risks – South Carolina Public Radio

Report on Alcohol Use, Health Risks, and Sustainable Development Goals

Introduction

This report summarizes a discussion with Dr. Howard Becker, Professor of Neuroscience and Psychiatry and Director of the Charleston Alcohol Research Center at the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC), regarding the health risks associated with heavy alcohol consumption. The conversation emphasizes the importance of addressing alcohol use within the framework of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those related to health and well-being.

Prevalence of Heavy Alcohol Use in the United States

Dr. Becker highlights the significant prevalence of alcohol use disorder (AUD) in the U.S. adult population:

• Approximately 10% of U.S. adults suffer from AUD.
• Over 175,000 deaths annually are attributed to alcohol-related causes.
• Alcohol contributes to up to 20% of all opioid overdose deaths when combined with prescription opioids.
• There is a rising trend of heavy drinking among women and adults aged 65 and older.

SDG Relevance

This data underscores the critical need to advance SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being, which aims to reduce premature mortality from non-communicable diseases through prevention and treatment.

Health Risks Associated with Heavy Alcohol Consumption

Heavy alcohol use is a major risk factor for over 200 diseases affecting multiple body systems:

1. Gastrointestinal Diseases: Conditions affecting the esophagus, stomach, and pancreas.
2. Liver Disease: Including alcohol-related liver damage and cirrhosis.
3. Cardiovascular Problems: Impairment of heart function.
4. Musculoskeletal Issues: Bone and muscle disorders.
5. Neurological and Mental Health Disorders: Brain function compromise leading to mental illnesses.
6. Cancer Risk: Increased likelihood of various cancers.

SDG Relevance

Addressing these health risks aligns with SDG 3 by promoting prevention and treatment of substance abuse and associated diseases, thereby improving population health outcomes.

Defining Heavy Drinking and Risk Thresholds

Dr. Becker defines heavy drinking as:

• Five or more alcoholic drinks per day for men.
• Four or more alcoholic drinks per day for women.

It is noted that precise risk thresholds vary, but exceeding these amounts significantly increases the likelihood of adverse health effects.

Intervention and Treatment Options

Initial Steps for Individuals Seeking Help

• Consultation with primary care providers or nurses.
• Engagement with addiction specialists.
• Access to statewide clinics offering walk-in services without referrals.

Pharmacological Treatments

There are three FDA-approved medications for treating alcohol use disorder:

• Naltrexone: Available in oral and long-acting injectable forms.
• Acamprosate (Campral): Helps maintain abstinence.
• Disulfiram (Antabuse): Produces adverse effects when alcohol is consumed.

Research and Development

The Charleston Alcohol Research Center at MUSC focuses on:

• Understanding brain mechanisms underlying AUD.
• Developing new medications to improve treatment outcomes.

SDG Relevance

These efforts contribute to SDG 3 by enhancing access to effective treatment and promoting mental health and well-being.

Conclusion

Heavy alcohol use presents a significant public health challenge with wide-ranging impacts on individual and societal well-being. Addressing this issue is essential to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 3, which seeks to ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all ages. Early intervention, access to treatment, and ongoing research are critical components in reducing the burden of alcohol-related diseases.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
   • The article focuses on health risks related to heavy alcohol use, including diseases, mental disorders, and mortality, directly relating to SDG 3’s aim to ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all ages.
2. SDG 5: Gender Equality
   • The article mentions a rise in heavy drinking among women, highlighting gender-specific health concerns and the need for targeted interventions.
3. SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
   • By addressing alcohol use disorder and providing access to treatment without referral barriers, the article touches on reducing inequalities in healthcare access.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs Identified

1. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
   • Target 3.4: By 2030, reduce by one third premature mortality from non-communicable diseases through prevention and treatment.
   • Target 3.5: Strengthen the prevention and treatment of substance abuse, including narcotic drug abuse and harmful use of alcohol.
   • Target 3.8: Achieve universal health coverage, including access to quality essential health-care services and access to safe, effective, quality, and affordable essential medicines and vaccines.
2. SDG 5: Gender Equality
   • Target 5.6: Ensure universal access to sexual and reproductive health and reproductive rights, which can include addressing health risks specific to women such as increased alcohol use.
3. SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
   • Target 10.2: Empower and promote the social, economic and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion or economic or other status.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

1. Prevalence of Alcohol Use Disorder
   • The article states that about 10% of the adult US population suffers from alcohol use disorder, which can be tracked as an indicator of substance abuse prevalence.
2. Alcohol-Related Mortality Rates
   • Over 175,000 deaths annually due to alcohol-related causes is a measurable indicator of health impact.
3. Incidence of Diseases Related to Alcohol Use
   • Rates of diseases such as liver disease, cancers, cardiovascular diseases, and mental disorders linked to alcohol consumption can serve as health outcome indicators.
4. Access to Treatment and Medication
   • Availability and utilization of FDA-approved medications and clinics for alcohol use disorder treatment can be indicators of healthcare service coverage and quality.
5. Gender and Age-specific Alcohol Consumption Trends
   • Tracking increases in heavy drinking among women and older adults (65+) can help measure progress on targeted interventions.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: southcarolinapublicradio.org