Verified Document

Solutions For The Alcohol Abuse Problem From Term Paper

¶ … solutions for the alcohol abuse problem from economists' point-of-view. The second section of the paper addresses the situation of prescription drugs and how they can affect the demand and supply of other products and services. The paper continues with a section that explains the relationship between supply modification and elasticity of demand, and between demand modifications and elasticity of supply. There is also a section that discusses increasing-costs industries. Another section of the paper address the conditions required for competitive markets to be economically efficient. There are several solutions that economists can offer when addressing the alcohol abuse problem. In this case, the problem is regarded as a negative externalities situation of the production and consumption of alcohol. The assumption in this case is that alcohol abuse is a negative externality because of its consequences, like drunk driving and the effects on consumers' health and on relationship with other individuals. The Coase theorem is one of the solutions that can be applied in this case. This means that the parties involved in the process and affected by alcohol abuse can negotiate compensatory benefits in accordance with their power of influence on decision makers and with the importance of consequences determined by this situation. The success of this solution also depends on the cost of negotiation. Another solution to this problem is represented by Pigouvian taxes and regulations. In this case, the level of established taxes must be similar to the value of the externality. Therefore, the variable that must be modified is represented by the taxes associated with alcoholic beverages. Regarding the marginal change, it is obvious that prices of alcohol...

As a response to such actions, individuals are likely to reduce consumption.
2. It has been observed that prescription drugs affect the demand and supply of other products and services. A higher demand of prescription drugs also determines an increased demand for doctors, pharmacists, and production facilities. This leads to increased demand for workforce in this field and to increased competition between producers, which determines smaller prices. In addition to this, an increased percentage of customers' income spent on prescription drugs leads to reduced demand for products and services like clothes, education, entertainment, and others. The increased prices of prescription drugs can determine reduced demand of these products. Furthermore, this can increase the demand for substitute products, like over-the-counter drugs.

3. The elasticity of demand is an important factor that must be analyzed in case of shifts in supply. In other words, it must be analyzed how demand is likely to modify in case supply increases or decreases. In case the supply increases the prices would normally reduce. In such cases, demand can also increase. In case the prices are not reduced, it is possible that demand will not increase. For example, if a larger number of cell phones is provided to customers, they could buy more cell phones if their prices reduce in comparison with previous price levels. In case supply reduces, this means prices increase, which leads to reduced demand.

The elasticity of supply is important when analyzing the impact of a shift in demand. This is because when demand for certain products and services increases, the supply must also increase in order to satisfy the excess demand (Adam, 2009). This can…

Sources used in this document:
Reference list:

1. Adam, G. (2009). Economic Theory: Supply and Demand. Retrieved January 31, 2012 from http://www.science20.com/gerhard_adam/blog/economic_theory_%E2%80%93_supply_and_demand.

2. Perfect Competition (2011). Investopedia. Retrieved February 1, 2012 from http://www.investopedia.com/terms/p/perfectcompetition.asp.

3. Hall, R. & Lierberman, M. (2007). Economics: Principles and Applications. Cengage Learning. Retrieved February 1, 2012 from http://books.google.ro/books?id=whLWKYNy0UoC&pg=PA220&dq=perfect+competition&hl=ro#.
Cite this Document:
Copy Bibliography Citation

Related Documents

Alcohol Abuse Ecdriesbaugh Alcohol Abuse
Words: 1792 Length: 5 Document Type: Term Paper

For the purpose of spreading the information this paper includes some of the signs and symptoms of alcohol dependence. Consuming five or more drinks in a row for boys and four or more drinks in a row for girls is considered binge drinking. Alcohol poisoning is a grave consequence of binge drinking. The signs of alcohol poisoning are feeling confused; having a seizure; experiencing irregular breathing; pale or blue-tinged skin;

Solutions to Dealing With Alcohol Abuse
Words: 1718 Length: 6 Document Type: Essay

Alcohol Abuse This topic will be alcohol abuse. The dimensions that will be covered are, in order, a brief history, current trends or issues, societal concerns or issues related to the topic, the significance or relevance of the topic to the counseling profession and any future implications that exist when it comes to the subject. While alcohol is usually legal and illicit/prescription drugs are very much dominating the discussion about drug

Crystal Meth Addiction and Abuse Problems in Los Angeles County
Words: 6363 Length: 20 Document Type: Research Paper

Meth Addiction and Abuse Problems Meth Crystal Addiction and Abuse Problems in Los Angeles County Meth addiction and abuse problems are on a rise in Los Angeles County and many other places in other countries. Its use and abuse has become so common that some people have started referring to it as the new heroin. Just like any other drug, the use of this drug above its therapeutic dose has produced toxicities

Economics of Alcohol Abuse Econcs of Drugs
Words: 1449 Length: 4 Document Type: Essay

Economics of Alcohol Abuse Econcs Of Drugs & Alcohol How an Economist Might Approach Alcohol Abuse One answer would be to raise price by decree. Holding all other factors the same, this artificial price increase would initially reduce quantity consumed, but there would still be demand that went unfulfilled, which implies foregone profit at the new lower quantity and higher shelf price. Were supply restricted, say through a fixed number of licenses, this

Alcohol and Alcoholism Binge Drinking Exploratory
Words: 1012 Length: 3 Document Type: Term Paper

Alcohol I began my research with an open mind. Alcohol was a huge topic, and I needed to narrow it down and come up with something meaningful to research. As I looked at the different aspects of drinking habits, one issue kept resurfacing that drew my attention. That issue was the long-term effects of drinking on the individual. I was interested in binge drinking, as well as heavy drinking sustained over

Solution Focused Group Therapy Depressed Individuals Solution
Words: 1374 Length: 4 Document Type: Essay

Solution Focused Group Therapy Depressed Individuals Solution Focused Group Therapy on Depressed Individuals People encounter various challenges in life ranging from diseases, lack of basic essential needs and psychiatric problems among others. This has given rise to various forms of therapies being adopted by specialists whilst offering solutions to depressed individuals. Group therapy has taken a center-stage in the management of depression. Butler et al. (2008) in their article titled "Meditation with

Sign Up for Unlimited Study Help

Our semester plans gives you unlimited, unrestricted access to our entire library of resources —writing tools, guides, example essays, tutorials, class notes, and more.

Get Started Now