Abstract

Does the prolonged economic recession and unemployment increase alcoholism in Finland? By using data from the most recent drinking survey, performed in September 1992, comparisons are made, concerning differences in drinking habits between the employed and the unemployed, men and women, and the consequences thereof. Among the male respondents, drinking habits varied with different employment status categories, whereas no consistent differences were found among the women. The findings do not support the suggestion that large-scale unemployment leads to increased alcoholism; the unemployed may have increased their alcohol consumtion, but it is also possible that those with higher consumtion are more frequently unemployed. The latter is supported by the fact that problem drinkers formed a clearly select group among the long-term unemployed. In September 1992 massive unemployment had not prevailed for very long. If prolonged, unemployment may eventually have detrimental effects on society, which also applies to patterns of alcohol consumption.