Does drinking really decrease in bad times?

Abstract

This paper investigates the relationship between macroeconomic conditions and drinking using individual-level data from 1987 to 1999 interview years of the "behavioral risk factor surveillance system" (BRFSS). We confirm the procyclical variation in overall drinking identified in previous research using aggregate sales data and show that this largely results from changes in consumption by existing drinkers, rather than movements into or out of drinking. Moreover, the decrease occurring during bad economic times is concentrated among heavy consumers, with light drinking actually rising. We also find no evidence that the decline in overall alcohol use masks a rise for persons becoming unemployed during contractions. These results suggest that any stress-induced increases in drinking during bad economic times are more than offset by declines resulting from changes in economic factors such as lower incomes.

Economic Loss and Alcohol Consumption and Problems During the 2008 to 2009 U.S. Recession

“…For instance, economic declines have been linked to deteriorating mental health and higher rates of suicide (Catalano et al, 2011; Stuckler et al, 2009) but also to less smoking and more exercise (Ruhm and Black, 2002), the latter possibly due to less discretionary income and greater available time to devote to health (Dee, 2001; Ettner, 1997; Ruhm and Black, 2002). …”

“…Notably, because employment constrains time available for drinking (and other activities), reducing or losing employment can also increase drinking. On the other hand, other experiences associated with economic downturns – fiscal conservatism, loss of income, and fear of job loss – can temper drinking (Catalano and Bellows, 2005; Catalano et al, 2011; Ruhm and Black, 2002). Thus, the net effect of recession-induced economic loss on alcohol consumption and problems is quite unclear.…”

“…Of two studies analyzing U.S. state-level data, one found rising unemployment to be associated with similar reductions in overall consumption and heavy monthly consumption across gender and age groups (Ruhm and Black, 2002), and the other showed rising unemployment was related to increased binge drinking, particularly among men and younger persons (Dee, 2001). In a third, retrospective longitudinal study of plant closures in Sweden, middle-aged women and younger men were most likely to be hospitalized for alcohol-related causes following involuntary job loss (Eliason and Storrie, 2009).…”

Age Cohort Variation in Drinking Among People With Physical Impairments: Politically Oriented Coping in the Wake of the Great Recession

“…Economic insecurity and financial stressors are linked with numerous drinking-related outcomes, including overall consumption and problematic drinking patterns (Brown & Richman, 2012; Richman et al, 2012; Ruhm & Black, 2002). Economic insecurity appears to be an issue of particular relevance to many people with physical impairments, who are more likely to be unemployed, earn less when they are employed, and experience higher levels of financial stress and greater material hardship than their non-disabled peers, on average (Iezzoni et al, 2001; National Council on Disability, 2008; Weil et al, 2002).…”

“…At the same time, research in the general population demonstrates that baby boomers compared to younger age cohorts are (1) more likely to engage in political activities which challenge the status quo (Caren et al, 2011; Jennings, 1987), and (2) less likely to consume alcohol in response stressful circumstances (Aseltine & Gore, 2000; Brown et al, 2015; Ruhm & Black, 2002). First, the baby boomers came of age in the late 1960s and 1970s, within the context of active civil rights, women’s, anti-war and countercultural social movements.…”