A comparison of alcohol sales data with survey data on self-reported alcohol use in 21 states

We used data from 21 states that participated in the 1985 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System to compare state-specific per capita self-reported alcohol consumption and the prevalence of three drinking behaviors with state-specific per capita sales. The correlation coefficient for per capita sales and per capita self-reported consumption for the 21 states was 0.81. Per capita sales were also significantly correlated with the prevalence of self-reported heavier drinking, binge drinking, and drinking and driving; the corresponding correlation coefficients were 0.74, 0.59, and 0.51. These findings suggest that states with higher per capita sales of alcohol also have higher rates of self-reported consumption and drinking patterns suggestive of high-risk behavior.