  In this work we study a simple compartmental model for drinking behavior
evolution. The population is divided in 3 compartments regarding their alcohol
consumption, namely Susceptible individuals $S$ (nonconsumers), Moderate
drinkers $M$ and Risk drinkers $R$. The transitions among those states are
ruled by probabilities. Despite the simplicity of the model, we observed the
occurrence of two distinct nonequilibrium phase transitions to absorbing
states. One of these states is composed only by Susceptible individuals $S$,
with no drinkers ($M=R=0$). On the other hand, the other absorbing state is
composed only by Risk drinkers $R$ ($S=M=0$). Between these two steady states,
we have the coexistence of the three subpopulations $S$, $M$ and $R$.
Comparison with abusive alcohol consumption data for Brazil shows a good
agreement between the model's results and the database.

Physics and Society;Statistical Mechanics