Alcoholism Is More Prominent Among People Who Live in Poverty

Kohrt Commons; Plyler Hall

Alcoholism is a public health issue across the general population in America, but extends far beyond America with mortality and morbidity positively associated with alcohol use. There is substantial evidence of a higher susceptibility of alcohol misuse in lower socioeconomic status neighborhoods with disproportionately higher rates of drinking problems in women, Hispanics, and persons of color living in poverty. This project explores how alcoholism is higher among people who live in poverty due to chronic stress, lack of money for addiction treatment, and genetic inheritance. Poverty has caused a wide range of issues which lead to alcohol misuse and dependency. By changing policies, the number of disadvantaged individuals who struggle with an addiction to alcohol could potentially be reduced.