Alcohol and Mortality: An Actuarial Issue

Despite some favorable global trends in the prevalence of heavy episodic drinking, alcohol-related mortality and morbidity since 2010, and the prevalence of youth drinking in certain developed countries, there has been limited progress in reducing total per-capita alcohol consumption. The burden of disease attributable to alcohol remains high, particularly at pre-retirement ages, and is increasing in some countries and for some causes of death. This article describes the status and trends in alcohol consumption, both worldwide and in the United States. It also describes the adverse consequences of heavy and binge drinking, which are significant to the individual, family and friends, and society. Although the overall effect on mortality of moderate alcohol drinking compared with no drinking at all has generally been viewed to be somewhat favorable due to the effect of certain cardiovascular risks, this view is not shared by all—the arguments involved are examined in this article. The recognition and need for active management of the adverse effects of heavy and binge alcohol consumption, remain essential to favorable health and longevity. Possible public interventions are also described. Actuaries involved in assessing mortality trends and product design need to assess trends in drivers and consequences of historical, current, and expected future alcohol-attributable mortality and morbidity patterns on a regular basis.