Countless individuals consume alcohol every day. Some of these men and women lose their lives as a result of their alcohol use. What many people don’t realize is socioeconomic status and alcohol use are linked.
Which Social Classes Are Most Affected?
People in lower social classes drink alcohol heavily. However, they aren’t alone. Those individuals in the upper socioeconomic levels also drink heavily. Men and women who fall in the middle class drink less. Differences do exist when it comes to how the various classes drink. Those with a high socioeconomic status drink more alcohol and do so more frequently than those with a lower socioeconomic status. Low socioeconomic status is linked to alcohol abuse and dependence along with binge drinking, putting these individuals at great risk of an adverse alcohol outcome, which is why treatment for alcoholism is crucial.
Factors That Play a Role in Alcohol Use
Factors beyond a personal lack of control affect how much a person drinks. Environment and genetic disposition are two of these factors. However, socioeconomic status also contributes to alcohol use. Occupation, education, and income determine a person’s socioeconomic status. Most people divide people into low, middle, and high classes.
Income goes beyond how much the person makes. It takes into account their assets, investments, and more. Education is important because those without a high school diploma typically are considered low socioeconomic status. Men and women with a high school diploma and some college or advanced training are middle class. A college degree or higher often puts someone in the upper class.
High Socioeconomic Status and Alcohol Use
Men and women with a high SES drink more often and consume more alcohol than other classes. They have the money to purchase these beverages and frequently engage in social activities where drinking is the norm. Men who live in a neighborhood with a higher SES are more likely to drink heavily and become intoxicated. In many cases, these individuals are functioning alcoholics.
Low Socioeconomic Status and Alcohol Use
Individuals with a low SES don’t drink as often as those with a higher SES. However, they die more frequently from alcohol-related causes, which may be due to a lack of access to quality healthcare. Stress may also play a role in alcohol morbidity. These individuals engage in binge drinking more often than their counterparts and often abuse alcohol. Binge drinking comes with negative health consequences. Certain marginalized communities, such as the homeless, are at the highest risk of alcohol-related health consequences.
What About the Middle Class?
Alcohol use is rising in the middle class. Lower costs and easy accessibility are two reasons this is the case. Career women who work in large companies or have managerial jobs drink more than their peers with manual jobs. The consequences of this alcohol use aren’t as detrimental as those seen in individuals with a low SES. Nevertheless, no person is immune from these consequences.
People must realize that the link between SES and alcohol use is complex. Any person may become addicted to this substance and fall victim to the consequences of consuming it. Research does show, however, that those who are unemployed, homeless, do manual work, or have a low SES must take care and receive treatment if they develop an alcohol addiction. Quick action helps reduce the negative consequences many see with alcohol use.
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