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Latest Data Indicates Many New Yorkers Avoid Alcohol While approximately one-third of New Yorkers drink alcohol moderately and half do not drink at all, 15% drink excessively, according to new data presented by the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) in its most recent Vital Signs publication, “Alcohol Use In New York City.” Excessive use of alcohol can lead to chronic illnesses and may contribute to domestic violence, homicide, and suicide. Excessive drinking is defined as either drinking more than two alcoholic drinks per day for men and more than one per day for women, or consuming more than four drinks on any one occasion. DOHMH Commissioner Thomas R. Frieden, MD, MPH said, “All New Yorkers should understand the difference between healthy and unhealthy drinking. Moderate alcohol consumption - no more than one or two drinks per day for men and one for women - is safe for most adults, and reduces the risk of heart attack and stroke. However, excessive drinking can cause serious health problems.” The consequences of excessive drinking are worse for black and Hispanic New Yorkers Approximately 21% of white New Yorkers report excessive drinking, compared to 15% of Hispanics, and 11% of blacks. However, blacks and Hispanics are more likely to be hospitalized or die from alcohol-related causes. Blacks are about twice as likely to be hospitalized for alcohol detoxification and are more likely to die from intoxication than whites or Hispanics. Both Hispanics and blacks are more likely than whites to die from chronic conditions related to excessive drinking, including alcoholic liver disease (e.g. cirrhosis, alcoholic hepatitis), and alcoholic cardiomyopathy, a weakening of the heart muscle. Excessive drinking is most common among Manhattan residents. Approximately 22% of Manhattan residents report excessive drinking, followed by 15% in Staten Island and Queens, 13% in Brooklyn and 11% in the Bronx. Neighborhoods with particularly high rates of excessive drinking include all neighborhoods below 96th Street in Manhattan; Jackson Heights, Elmhurst, and Maspeth in Queens; Brooklyn Heights, Fort Greene and Park Slope in Brooklyn; and northern Staten Island. Excessive drinking is least prevalent in Borough Park and Flatbush in Brooklyn; Eastern Queens; South and Northeast Bronx; and Kingsbridge in the Bronx. Excessive drinking is more common among New Yorkers with household incomes greater than $50,000 (22%), compared to those with incomes between $25,000 and $49,000 (17%), and those with incomes less than $25,000 (12%). For many adults, moderate alcohol consumption can have health benefits, including a reduced risk- of heart attack, stroke, and other cardiovascular diseases. Moderate alcohol consumption is defined as no more than one to two drinks per day for men, and no more than one drink per day for women. For people who drink excessively, the risks of alcohol far outweigh the benefits. Excessive drinking increases the risk of alcohol dependence, cirrhosis, hepatitis, cancer, and many other illnesses, and can lead to injuries and accidents. Some people should not drink at all: people who will drive or operate machinery; pregnant women or those trying to become pregnant; people with uncontrolled diabetes, congestive heart failure, or chronic stomach, liver, or pancreas problems; and anyone under the legal drinking age of 21.
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