Correlation of alcohol dependence and alcohol consumption

Objective: The single distribution theory implies that, in a given population, per capita alcohol consumption is a major determinant of the alcohol dependence prevalence. This study aims to examine the association between apparent per capita alcohol consumption and alcohol dependence prevalence using empirical data for a sample of World Health Organization (WHO) member states. Method: We analyzed data on alcohol consumption and dependence for 32 nations compiled by the WHO. The association between alcohol dependence prevalence and log-transformed apparent per capita alcohol consumption was assessed using population-weighted correlation coefficient and linear regression modeling. Results: The prevalence of alcohol dependence in the study sample ranged from 0.2% in Egypt and Syria to 12.2% in Poland, and apparent per capita alcohol consumption ranged from 0 in Iran to 12.89 liters of pure alcohol per year in Germany. The prevalence of alcohol dependence was significantly, positively correlated with log-transformed apparent per capita alcohol consumption (weighted correlation coefficient 0.48, p=0.002468). Linear regression modeling revealed that each liter increase in apparent per capita alcohol consumption was associated with an increase of 2.1 percentage points in the prevalence of alcohol dependence (95% confidence interval 0.59 to 3.56). Conclusions: Apparent per capita alcohol consumption is positively associated with the prevalence of alcohol dependence at the national level. Interventions aimed at reducing overall alcohol consumption for the entire population might be effective in decreasing the prevalence of alcohol dependence.