What is Alcohol Addiction?
Alcohol addiction, also known as alcoholism, is a pervasive and destructive disease that affects millions of individuals and families across the United States. Despite its widespread prevalence, alcohol addiction is often misunderstood and underestimated in its severity.
The Scope of Alcohol Addiction
Alcohol stands as the most commonly used addictive substance in the United States. Approximately 30 million people, about one in ten adults, face the challenge of alcohol use. This statistic is compounded by the fact that millions more engage in risky binge drinking patterns, setting the stage for potential alcohol-related problems.
This impact extends beyond the individual, affecting families and communities. More than half of all adults have a family history of alcoholism or problem drinking, and over seven million children reside in households where at least one parent struggles with alcohol dependence or abuse.
The Toll on Health and Well-being
Alcohol abuse takes a heavy toll on various facets of a person’s life. From serious health complications to emotional instability, financial strain, and strained relationships, the consequences are profound and far-reaching.
Consider these staggering facts about alcohol:
- Annually, 88,000 deaths are attributed to excessive alcohol use, making alcoholism the 3rd leading lifestyle-related cause of death in the nation.
- Excessive alcohol consumption is responsible for a loss of 2.5 million years of potential life annually.
- Up to 40% of all hospital beds in the United States, excluding maternity and intensive care units, are occupied by individuals with health conditions stemming from alcohol consumption.
Health Risks of Excessive Alcohol Use
The health risks associated with long-term alcohol abuse are extensive and alarming. From neurological impairments to chronic disease and social problems, the impact can include:
- Neurological disorders like dementia, stroke, and neuropathy
- Cardiovascular issues such as heart attacks, cardiomyopathy, and hypertension
- Psychiatric disorders including depression, anxiety, and suicide
- Social problems like unemployment, family discord, and violence
- Unintentional injuries such as motor vehicle accidents, falls, and drownings
- Increased risk for various cancers, liver diseases, gastrointestinal problems, and more.
Understanding Alcoholism
Contrary to common misconceptions, alcoholism isn’t solely determined by the type or duration of alcohol consumption. Rather, it’s characterized by an uncontrollable craving for alcohol that transcends willpower. Individuals with alcohol use disorders can find themselves in a cycle of addiction, that often requires recovery treatment.
Addiction Education
Frequently Asked Questions From Young People
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Family History and Genetics
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Drugs and Alcohol in the Workplace
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Alcohol, Drugs, and Crime
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Driving While Impaired – Alcohol and Drugs
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Alcoholism, Drug Dependence, and Co-Occurring Disorders
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For Parents: What to Look For
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Signs & Symptoms
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Alcoholism, Drug Dependence, and Veterans
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Marijiana
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Prescription Drugs
Taking prescription drugs not prescribed for you by a doctor or in a way that hasn't been recommended by a doctor, can be more dangerous than you think. In fact, it can be fatal. Prescription drugs are the third most commonly abused category of drugs, behind...
What is Treatment?
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Understanding Drug Addiction
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Wine for Your Health: Truth and Myth
Cutting through the Clutter about Heart Health The following outline formed a webinar that NCADD presented in August 2015 as part of Cigna’s Alcohol and Drug Awareness Series. The presentation focused on the impacts of wine as it relates to cancer and cardiac health,...
Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder
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Alcohol Energy Drinks
Alcohol energy drinks (AEDs) or Caffeinated alcoholic beverages (CABs) are premixed beverages containing not only alcohol but caffeine and other stimulants. Sold in tall, narrow cans similar to non-alcoholic energy drinks, they are very popular among young people...
Facts About Alcohol
Alcohol is the most commonly used addictive substance in the United States: 17.6 million people, or one in every 12 adults, suffer from alcohol abuse or dependence along with several million more who engage in risky, binge drinking patterns that could lead to alcohol...
Understanding Addiction
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Facts About Drugs
According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), an estimated 20 million Americans aged 12 or older used an illegal drug in the past 30 days. This estimate represents 8% percent of the population aged 12 years old or older. Illicit drugs...
Alcohol, Drug Dependence, and Seniors
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Ten Tips for Prevention for Youth
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The Real Story About Alcohol and Other Drugs
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Alcohol, Drugs, and Youth
There is no single age group of people more affected by alcohol and drugs than young people. In some ways it feels like it is an issue everywhere: for you, your family and your friends. Plain and simple, try as you might, you cannot escape the issues...
Underage and College Drinking
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Alcoholism, Drug Dependence, and Women
Women are the fastest-growing segment of alcohol and drug users in the United States. In fact, up to 4.5 million women over age 12 in the U.S. have a substance use disorder, 3.5 million misuse prescription drugs, and 3.1 million regularly use illicit drugs. Each year,...