Alcoholism: Get the Facts

For many people, the facts about alcoholism are not clear. What is alcoholism, exactly? How does it differ from alcohol abuse? When should a person seek help for a problem related to his or her drinking?

A Widespread Problem

For most people who drink, alcohol is a pleasant accompaniment to social activities. Moderate alcohol use - up to two drinks per day for men and one drink per day for women and older people - is not harmful for most adults.

Nonetheless, a large number of people get into serious trouble because of their drinking. Currently, nearly 14 million Americans - 1 in every 13 adults - abuse alcohol or are alcoholic. Several million more adults engage in risky drinking that could lead to alcohol problems. These patterns include binge drinking and heavy drinking on a regular basis. In addition, 53% of men and women in the United States report that one or more of their close relatives have a drinking problem.

The consequences of alcohol misuse are serious and in many cases, life threatening. Heavy drinking can increase the risk for certain cancers, especially those of the liver, esophagus, throat, and larynx (voice box). Heavy drinking can also cause liver cirrhosis, immune system problems, brain damage, and harm to the fetus during pregnancy. In addition, drinking increases the risk of death from automobile crashes as well as recreational and on-the-job injuries. Furthermore, both homicides and suicides are more likely to be committed by persons who have been drinking.

Healthcare Cost of Alcohol and Drug Abuse

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