PREVENTION OF ALCOHOL ABUSE-RELATED BIRTH EFFECTS - II - TARGETING AND PRICING

Current public health measures to reduce the occurrence of fetal alcoh ol abuse syndrome (FAAS) and alcohol abuse-related birth effects (AARB Es) have been ineffective, because they target alcohol consumption, ra ther than alcohol abuse. The present discussion contends that the most effective public health strategy for reducing FAAS and AARBEs is a co mbination df more specific public health messages that target alcohol abuse, coupled with higher taxes on alcohol beverages. Although alcoho l consumption by alcohol abusers has been thought to be inelastic to p rice changes, recent studies have found that both heavy drinking and b inge drinking are sensitive co alcohol price changes, and price elasti cities are relatively high for heavy drinkers who are aware of the con sequences of their drinking. Although price increases may have a dispr oportionate impact on lower socioeconomic groups, this article conclud es that they are justifiable from both a utilitarian and a categorical imperative perspective.