CONCORD, N.H. (AP) — An organization that works on preventing and reducing alcohol and drug abuse says new research on how excessive alcohol consumption hurts New Hampshire's economy validates what business, health care and public safety professionals have observed for years.

New Futures is holding a briefing Friday in Concord on analysis conducted by PolEcon Research, which found that excessive alcohol consumption costs the state $1.15 billion each year. The group is also bringing together experts who will discuss possible solutions to the problem.