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The impact of drinking and drinking consequences on short-term employment outcomes in at-risk drinkers in six southern states

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Abstract

Alcohol use and misuse impose economic burdens, with over half the total costs estimated associated with lost productivity. Research on labor productivity and alcohol abuse has been limited by methodologic differences, making conclusions equivocal. This study employed two waves of data from a community probability sample of 658 at-risk drinkers. It analyzed the prospective impact of several measures of drinking and drinking consequences on the 6-month follow-up probability of not being employed and fewer weeks of employment if employed. Drinking seven drinks or more on an average drinking day significantly increased the likelihood of not working and, for those who were working, reduced weeks of employment. Thus, productivity benefits may accrue from developing treatments for at-risk drinkers, particularly interventions to reduce drinking.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, USA

    Brenda M. Booth PhD (Professor of Psychiatry)

  2. Research Health Scientist, LRVAMC, USA

    Brenda M. Booth PhD (Professor of Psychiatry)

  3. Department of Psychiatry, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences and HSR&D Center for Mental Healthcare Outcomes Research and Effectiveness, Little Rock Veterans Affairs Medical Center, USA

    Weiwei Feng PhD (Assistant Professor)

Authors
  1. Brenda M. Booth PhD
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  2. Weiwei Feng PhD
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Brenda M. Booth PhD.

Additional information

Dr Feng is now a Senior Marketing Analyst with Corning, Inc.

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Booth, B.M., Feng, W. The impact of drinking and drinking consequences on short-term employment outcomes in at-risk drinkers in six southern states. The Journal of Behavioral Health Services & Research 29, 157–166 (2002). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02287702

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