Alcoholism Facts

The life of an alcoholic is a lonely walk. Whether you are in the midst of alcoholism, contemplating sobriety, trying to help a loved one or are simply interested in learning more about alcoholism. These facts about alcoholism will enhance your knowledge about this life crippling disease.

• Alcoholism is a disease
• Alcoholism means that an alcoholic is dependent upon the use of alcohol
• The typical patterns of alcoholism are 1. Loss of control – the inability to stop drinking once begun. 2. Withdrawal symptoms – some of which are nausea, shakiness, anxiety, sweating. 3. Tolerance – the need for increased amounts of alcohol in order to feel drunk. 4. Craving – A strong need, or urge to drink alcohol.
• The risk for developing alcoholism is influenced by both a person’s genes and by the person’s lifestyle
• There is no cure for alcoholism. The only safe option is not to drink alcohol
• In the United States, 17.6 million adults are dependent on alcohol or abuse alcohol frequently
• There are 11 million underage drinkers in the United States
• Young people who start drinking before the age of 15 are five times more likely to have alcohol related problems later in life
• Alcoholics have a far greater risk of suffering from heart disease, liver disease, stroke, sleep disorders, bleeding from the stomach and depression
• Consuming five drinks on a singe day at least once a month is defined as heavy drinking for adults,
• The child of an alcoholic is 50-60 percent more likely than a person in the normal population to develop alcohol disorders
• Alcohol is involved in 40% of traffic deaths
• One-fifth of patients with social anxiety disorder also suffer from an alcohol use disorder, i.e., alcohol abuse or dependence
• Female alcoholics have death rates 50-100 percent higher than those of male alcoholics
• Cirrhosis of the liver or liver cancer can occur with excessive alcohol consumption
• Heavy use of alcohol weakens the human immune system
• Alcoholism is associated with having social and relationship problems, failure to fulfill commitments such as work and home responsibilities, increased likelihood of being in physically dangerous situations such as driving under the influence.

The effects of alcoholism are far reaching and the consequences can be devastating for many.

Knowledge is power. Read more about successfully overcoming alcohol addiction.