The cost of problems caused by alcohol abuse

Authors

  • Andrea Donatti Gallassi Universidade de São Paulo; Faculdade de Medicina; Departamento de Psiquiatria
  • Pedro Gomes de Alvarenga USP; FM; Hospital das Clínicas; Departamento & Instituto de Psiquiatria
  • Arthur Guerra de Andrade Faculdade de Medicina do ABC
  • Bernard François Couttolenc Universidade de São Paulo; Faculdade de Saúde Pública; Departamento de Administração Hospitalar

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.1590/S0101-60832008000700007

Keywords:

Economic impact, social costs, alcohol abuse, economic concept, public policies

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Alcohol abuse is currently considered one of the largest worldwide health problems due to its social and financial impact. OBJECTIVES: To discuss the economic and social impact of alcohol abuse and to introduce concepts related to health economics. METHODS: Literature review of articles written in Portuguese and in English (published between 1987 and 2007) stored in the MEDLINE, LILACS and Scielo databases was carried out. RESULTS: Fifty articles on economic studies and economic concepts in various areas were found, among which 15 were directly related to the social costs of alcohol abuse. The costs assessment methods and the composition of cost items were similar in all studies. CONCLUSIONS: Economic studies are new in Brazil, but are advanced in developed countries. National research on the social costs of alcohol abuse is necessary in order to promote knowledge as a means of creating and implementing public policies that are more consistent with and in alignment with the epidemiological and socioeconomic profile of the country.

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Published

2008-01-01

Issue

Vol. 35 No. supl.1 (2008)

Section

Reviews of Literature

License

Once accepted for publication, the manuscript becomes permanent property of the Archives of Clinical Psychiatry. This copyright transfer subsumes exclusive and unlimited entitlement of the Archives of Clinical Psychiatry to publish and distribute the full contents of articles in whichever publishing medium, including press and electronic media, in Brazil and abroad.

Manuscripts are accepted with the understanding that the Editor and the editorial staff have the right to make revisions aimed at greater conciseness, clarity, and conformity with Journal style, of course without changing its content.

How to Cite

The cost of problems caused by alcohol abuse . (2008). Archives of Clinical Psychiatry (São Paulo), 35(supl.1), 25-30. https://doi.org/10.1590/S0101-60832008000700007