Preventing Excessive Alcohol Consumption

Excessive alcohol consumption is the third leading cause of preventable death in the United States and is a risk factor for many health and societal problems. Approximately 5% of the total population drinks heavily and 15% of the population engages in binge drinking (CDC)

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Among adults, excessive consumption can take the form of heavy drinking, binge drinking, or both.

Heavy drinking is defined as more than two drinks per day on average for men or more than one drink per day on average for women.
Binge drinking is defined as five or more drinks during a single occasion for men or four or more drinks during a single occasion for women.

Underage drinking can also be considered a form of excessive drinking because it is both illegal and often involves consumption in quantities and settings that can lead to serious immediate and long-term consequences.

People aged 12 to 20 years drink 11% of all alcohol consumed in the United States. More than 90% of this alcohol is consumed in the form of binge drinks (OJJDP) [PDF - 1.08MB] .

Task Force Recommendations & Findings

This table lists interventions reviewed by the Community Guide, with Task Force findings for each (definitions of findings). Click on an underlined intervention title for a summary of the review.

Presentations & Promotional Materials

Slides:

Using Evidence for Public Health Decision Making: Preventing Excessive Alcohol Consumption and Related Harms

[PDF - 476KB] Developed by the Community Guide

Promotional Materials:

Summary of Community Guide Recommended Strategies: Evidence-Based Strategies to Prevent Excessive Alcohol Consumption and Related Harms

[PDF - 407KB] Developed by the Community Guide in collaboration with CDC’s Alcohol Program
Community Guide News About Maintaining Limits on Days and Hours of Sale: Reducing the Harms from Drinking Too Much by Limiting Access to Alcohol Developed by the Community Guide in collaboration with CDC’s Alcohol Program
Community Guide News: Regulating Alcohol Outlet Density Prevents Excessive Alcohol Use Developed by the Community Guide in collaboration with CDC’s Alcohol Program

Media Outreach

CDC Media Release: Task Force Finds Commercial Liability an Effective Strategy to Reduce Alcohol-related Problems

Developed by the Community Guide in collaboration with CDC’s Alcohol Program
CDC Newsroom Formatted Article About Maintaining Limits on Days and Hours of Sale: Reducing the Harms from Drinking Too Much by Limiting Access to Alcohol

[PDF - 208KB]

Developed by the Community Guide in collaboration with CDC’s Alcohol Program