Citation

To SE. MedGenMed 2007; 9(1): 23.

Affiliation

Hoffmann-LaRoche Inc., PDR Drug Regulatory Affairs, Nutley, New Jersey, USA. sto1967@aol.com

Copyright

(Copyright © 2007, Medscape)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

17435630

PMCID

PMC1925025

Abstract

As a follow-up to a national survey by the Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America (CADCA), an expert panel was convened to discuss local alcoholism data from New York, NY. The impact of alcoholism on the US economy is estimated at $185 billion annually. About 15% of New Yorkers drink alcohol excessively, with the highest percentage in Manhattan (22%). Over 135,000 New York City residents are admitted for alcohol treatment. Alcohol dependency is highest among whites (21%), followed by Latinos (14.8%) and African Americans (11%). Despite lower levels of excessive drinking, African-American and Latino New Yorkers are more likely than white New Yorkers to be hospitalized or die as a result of excessive drinking. The barriers to overcome are the lack of information on treatment options, the stigma of alcoholism, the lack of physician education, and a limited number of treatment facilities/personnel. Patients need behavioral counseling, a commitment to treatment, and compliance with medication if they are to succeed in treatment.

Language: en