The impact of drinking and drinking consequences on short-term employment outcomes in at-risk drinkers in six southern states.

Alcohol use and misuse impose economic burdens, with over half the total costs estimated associated with lost productivity. Research on labor productivity and alcohol abuse has been limited by methodologic differences, making conclusions equivocal. This study employed two waves of data from a community probability sample of 658 at-risk drinkers. It analyzed the prospective impact of several measures of drinking and drinking consequences on the 6-month follow-up probability of not being employed and fewer weeks of employment if employed. Drinking seven drinks or more on an average drinking day significantly increased the likelihood of not working and, for those who were working, reduced weeks of employment. Thus, productivity benefits may accrue from developing treatments for at-risk drinkers, particularly interventions to reduce drinking.