One important context for alcohol use is the level of economic and human development (i.e., education, standard of living, etc.) of the country in which alcohol is consumed. For example, family problems related to drinking may be more likely when the drinker’s expenditure on alcohol affects his/her family’s access to food and shelter. Therefore, relative wealth may explain some variations in problem consequences from drinking among countries that have apparently similar patterns and levels of alcohol consumption. Similarly, the experience of alcohol-related problems may be related to the general well-being of the culture in terms of education, standard of living and life expectancy. That is, the negative consequences of alcohol may be less when alcohol is consumed in a context of general well-being.
