Alcoholism is 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. (A standard drink is one 12-ounce bottle or can of either beer or wine cooler, one 5-ounce glass of wine, or 1.5 ounces of 80-proof distilled spirits.) Nonetheless, a large number of people get into serious trouble because of

their drinking. Currently, nearly 17.6 million adult Americans 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 percent 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—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. In purely economic terms, alcohol-related problems cost society approximately $185 billion per year. In human terms, the costs cannot be calculated. 

What Is Alcoholism?

Alcoholism, also known as “alcohol dependence,” is a disease that includes four symptoms:

• Craving: A strong need, or compulsion, to drink.
• Loss of control: The inability to limit one’s drinking on any given occasion.
• Physical dependence: Withdrawal symptoms, such as nausea, sweating, shakiness, and anxiety, occur when alcohol use is stopped after a period of heavy drinking.
• Tolerance: The need to drink greater amounts of alcohol in order to “get high.”

People who are not alcoholic sometimes do not understand why an alcoholic can’t just “use a little willpower” to stop drinking. However, alcoholism has little to do with willpower. Alcoholics are in the grip of a powerful “craving,” or uncontrollable need, for alcohol that overrides their ability to stop drinking. This need can be as strong as the need for food or water.

Although some people are able to recover from alcoholism without help, the majority of alcoholics need assistance. With treatment and support, many individuals are able to stop drinking and rebuild their lives.

Many people wonder why some individuals can use alcohol without problems but others cannot. One important reason has to do with genetics. Scientists have found that having an alcoholic family member makes it more likely that if you choose to drink you too may develop alcoholism. Genes, however, are not the whole story. In fact, scientists now believe that certain factors in a person’s environment influence whether a person with a genetic risk for alcoholism ever develops the disease. A person’s risk for developing alcoholism can increase based on the person’s environment, including where and how he or she lives; family, friends, and culture; peer pressure; and even how easy it is to get alcohol.

Alcoholism in the News

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04/20/2012
'Alcoholism, viral hepatitis causes of liver ailments'
Alcoholism and viral Hepatitis infection are the leading causes of liver disorders, B. Sankara Sarma, head of department of Gastroenterology, Kurnool Medical College, has said.Addressing a...

'Alcoholism, viral hepatitis causes of liver ailments'

05/16/2012
American Psychiatric Association redefines definition of alcoholism
Twenty million more Americans –including 40 percent of all college students— could be considered alcoholics by this time next year....

American Psychiatric Association redefines definition of alcoholism

04/25/2012
'Anti-alcoholism' drug cleared for use in France
French health authorities have approved the use of a drug, originally designed to treat nervous spasms, for the treatment of alcoholism on a "case by case" basis.

'Anti-alcoholism' drug cleared for use in France

05/16/2012
Seen At 11: New Herbal Remedy Claims To Cure Alcoholism In 8 Weeks
Many people who suffer from alcoholism struggle for years to get sober. Now, the makers of an herbal product say that they can cut cravings, while still letting alcoholics have the occasional drink.

Seen At 11: New Herbal Remedy Claims To Cure Alcoholism In 8 Weeks

05/09/2012
PBT: Oden opens up about injuries, alcoholism
Former No. 1 pick Greg Oden opens up about his alcoholism, injuries and unfulfilled promise.

PBT: Oden opens up about injuries, alcoholism

04/20/2012
'Alcoholism, viral hepatitis causes of liver ailments'
Alcoholism and viral Hepatitis infection are the leading causes of liver disorders, B. Sankara Sarma, head of department of Gastroenterology, Kurnool Medical College, has said.Addressing a...

'Alcoholism, viral hepatitis causes of liver ailments'