Alcohol -The Facts

addiction and alcoholism are believed to be a learned behavior that is masking a person's emotional or physical pain. There are almost as many treatments as there are addicts and alcoholics. Educate yourself before making any type of life-changing decison regarding alcoholism, addiction and substance abuse treatment.

The Straight Facts on Alcohol (Ethanol)

Easily the most abused substance (on par with tobacco), alcohol is available legally to adults throughout the U.S. Some use it occasionally to reduce anxiety, reduce inhibitions and to be sociable; however, there are large segments of the population who can be described as “binge drinkers” or “heavy users” of alcohol. These are the people most likely to become alcoholic, drive after drinking or suffer alcohol-related health problems.

Common Names for Alcohol:

Booze
Sauce

Vino
The Bottle

U.S. statisticians define binge drinkers as those who drink five or more drinks at one time in any given month. This represents almost 23% of all Americans over age 12 with the peak age group being between 18 and 25 years. In fact, an astonishing 70% of all individuals at age 21 years are users of alcohol.

Statisticians define a heavy alcohol user as one who drinks five or more drinks on at least five separate occasions in any given month. Again, 18-25 year-olds make up the biggest population of heavy alcohol users at 19.2%. Sadly, 28% of all people in this age group report having driven under the influence of alcohol during the previous year.

Alcohol users are more likely to combine its use with the use of illicit drugs. Of the 16.7 million heavy alcohol users in the U.S. today, 32% report using illicit drugs as well.

Unfortunately, alcohol use and abuse is not only a problem for adults. More than 2% of children at age 12 years are users of alcohol. These children run a much higher risk of alcoholism later in life.

Alcohol users battle numerous health problems when used in excess. They have a higher risk of accidental injuries and death. They can suffer from protein malnutrition and liver inflammation, cirrhosis or cancer.

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