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The Truth About Alcohol Addiction Statistics

Author: Robert Smith
by Robert Smith
Posted: May 05, 2014
alcohol addiction

Alcohol rehabilitation is needed for millions of Americans that deal with alcohol addiction. The statistics, myths and facts regarding alcoholism and alcohol addiction can shed sobering light on this disease that affects massive amounts of the American populace. There are more to statistics and simple numbers they can also provide much-needed insight into specific problem areas even within alcohol addiction.

Overall Statistics

Often alcohol addiction is combined with other substance abuse issues and can also lead to mental and physical health illnesses. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s National Survey on Drug Use and Health revealed that almost 24,000,000 Americans aged 12 or older required treatment for an illicit drug or alcohol issue. Over 41% of that number involved alcohol addiction either by itself or with another substance. White Americans make up 60% of all admissions to treatment facilities for alcohol or drug addictions, while the 25 to 29 age group and the 20 to 24 age group represents almost 30% of all admissions. Alcohol abuse also represents one of the most devastating and costly problems in the United States with over 53% of adults reporting a loved one with an alcohol abuse problem. Recent statistics also reveal that over 50,000 cases of alcohol overdose are reported in a year and over 30 million Americans drive while under the influence of alcohol every year.

Alcohol Abuse Stats

The abuse of alcohol is prevalent across North America and especially devastating to America’s young people. Binge drinking is reported to represent 50% of all revenue for the alcohol industry and possibly up to 75% of the beer industry’s revenue. Almost 3 million adolescents between the ages of 12 and 17 have been reported as binge drinkers. The issues associated with alcohol abuse stem well beyond that of the alcoholic and affect family and friends as well. 80% of family members indicate that a loved one’s alcohol addiction has affected their performance at work. Furthermore Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders, cost American taxpayers $5.4 billion to deal with health issues and birth defects of up to as many as 40,000 babies per year. There are over 100,000 deaths due to alcohol related issues on an annual basis that can include liver failure or drunk driving.

The Problem with Children

Many see alcoholism is an affliction of adults yet this is proven illusory as children have taken up the bottle in response to alcoholic family members. As 20% of all children under the age of 18 live with a parent who drinks heavily or has an alcohol problem it is no wonder the children of this age are not taught the dangers of alcoholism. In fact almost 15% of children aged 12 to 17 drink alcohol. Even scarier is the fact that individuals treated for alcohol misuse are 10 times more likely to commit suicide than those who do not abuse alcohol.

Only 5 to 6% of all those afflicted with alcoholism seek alcohol rehabilitation for their problem. It is time that the public, parents and society is made more aware of the dangers of alcohol abuse and alcoholism. For California based local information, please visit - Alcohol Rehabilitation California.

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Author: Robert Smith
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Robert Smith

Member since: Mar 26, 2014
Published articles: 313

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