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

Family History and Genetics

Family History and Genetics

Why do some people become addicted to alcohol and drugs and others do not? Whether a person decides to use alcohol or drugs is a personal choice, influenced by multiple biological, familial, psychological and sociocultural factors. But, once a person uses alcohol...

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Drugs and Alcohol in the Workplace

Drugs and Alcohol in the Workplace

Alcohol and drug use among employees and their family members can be an expensive problem for business and industry, with issues ranging from lost productivity, absenteeism, injuries, fatalities, theft and low employee morale, to an increase in health care, legal...

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Signs & Symptoms

Signs & Symptoms

The use and abuse of alcohol and drugs are serious issues that should not be ignored or minimized. If left untreated, use and abuse can develop into drug dependence or alcoholism. As a result, it is important to recognize the signs and symptoms of alcohol and drug...

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Marijiana

Marijiana

Marijuana is the most commonly used and abused illicit drug in the U.S., particularly among adolescents and young adults. In fact, teens’ perceptions of the risks of marijuana use have steadily declined over the past decade, possibly related to increasing public...

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Prescription Drugs

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...

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What is Treatment?

What is Treatment?

What is treatment — and does it work? The good news is that no matter how severe the alcohol or drug problem may seem, most people with a substance use disorder can benefit from some form of treatment. In the past, society viewed alcoholism and drug addiction as a...

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Understanding Drug Addiction

Understanding Drug Addiction

What Is Drug Addiction? Addiction is a chronic, often relapsing brain disease that causes compulsive drug seeking and use, despite harmful consequences to the addicted individual and to those around him or her. Although the initial decision to take drugs is voluntary...

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Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder

Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder

Drinking alcohol during pregnancy can disrupt fetal development at any stage during a woman’s pregnancy -- including the earliest stages before she even knows that she is pregnant. Whether it is a wine cooler, a glass of wine or a bottle of beer, any kind or amount of...

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Alcohol Energy Drinks

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...

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Facts About Alcohol

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...

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Facts About Drugs

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...

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Alcoholism, Drug Dependence, and Women

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,...

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