Breaking Health & Medical News - Video Stories

Your Local Doctor

Nearly One-Third of Americans Report Alcohol Abuse

A shocking 30% of Americans report having abused alcohol or suffer from alcoholism at some point in their lives. A new government study tracked alcohol dependency and abuse in a representative sampling of over 43,000 Americans over the age of 18 in face-to-face interviews.

Of those who reported alcohol dependency, fewer than one-quarter received treatment, a small decrease from a similar study done 10 years ago. Over two-fifths of men and nearly one-fifth of women reported alcohol abuse or dependency at some point in their lives. Whites and Native Americans were the two ethnic groups most likely to report dependency. Alcohol dependency was more common in people who were younger, unmarried, or in lower income brackets.

The definitions used in the study were taken from the American Psychiatric Association Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM IV) 4th edition. Alcohol abuse was defined as having drinking- related social or legal problems, drinking that lead to missed obligations in the family, work or school environment, or drinking in hazardous situations. They defined alcoholism as compulsive drinking, a preoccupation with drinking, and a high tolerance to alcohol with withdrawal symptoms. There are several treatment options available, including twelve step programs, motivational therapy, and cognitive behavioral therapy.

Related Stories Links: