Excessive drinking, alcoholism and taxes

The Centers for Disease Control, a federal government agency and arm of the Department of Health and Human Services, just released a new study which reports that excessive "binge" drinkers aren't alcoholics or alcohol dependent.

"This study shows that, contrary to popular opinion, most people who drink too much are not alcohol dependent or alcoholics," said Robert Brewer, M.D., M.S.P.H., Alcohol Program lead at CDC and one of the report's authors. "It also emphasizes the importance of taking a comprehensive approach to reducing excessive drinking that includes evidence-based community strategies, screening and counseling in healthcare settings, and high-quality substance abuse treatment for those who need it."

Why is the CDC splitting hairs between excessive drinking and alcoholism? Excise taxes.

The wonks in Washington, DC would be hard-pressed to raise taxes higher on alcoholics, who are considered to have a disease defined as "alcohol use disorder" by the American Psychiatric Associations' Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, or DSM-5. But if they can classify the much larger population of heavy drinkers as "excessive," they create a big taxable target.

With beer, wine and liquor spending in the United States estimated at $100 billion annually, excise taxes on alcohol, as well as tobacco and firearms, are charged to raise federal, state and local revenue, under the guise of making us virtuous.

The current administration is not only looking out for us, but for themselves as well. Before the much ballyhooed government shutdown when kids' White House tours and National Park visits were roped off and cancelled, the State Department wasted no time stocking up on booze for its embassy staff and entertainment before sequestration took effect.