Alcohol Use Disorder or alcoholism is a pattern of alcohol misuse that involves issues controlling your drinking, always thinking about alcohol, continuing to consume alcohol even when it already causes problems, drinking more to get the same effect, or experiencing withdrawal symptoms when you greatly decrease or stop drinking. Alcohol abuse is among the leading problems in the United States. and the alcoholism statistics agree. Before we go into the numbers, what is alcoholism and how did it create such a huge societal impact? Alcohol abuse is among the leading problems in the United States. and the alcoholism statistics agree. Before we go into the numbers, what is alcoholism and how did it create such a huge societal impact?
Alcoholism, or problem drinking that turns severe, is a costly disease for society as well as those who struggle with addiction. For those who struggle with addiction, costs for alcohol, treatment options and the potential legal consequences from their drinking. For society, alcoholism contributes to crime rates which have an impact on the local economy.
When we look at alcoholism statistics, we gain insight into the costs and damage of alcoholism. The results can be quite staggering and surprising for some to learn.
If you want to learn more about alcoholism and its consequences, there is nothing like some real statistics. These numbers can demonstrate the severity of the problem and how it actually affects its victims and the whole of society.
Below you will find alcoholism statistics and its impact on society.
Before we get into the statistics, let’s take a look at some of the specific requirements for terms that you will find below:
Binge Drinking: Binge drinking is the most deadly pattern of excessive alcohol use in the U.S. It is commonly understood as drinking a large quantity of alcohol in one occasion. Particularly, men who drink five or more alcoholic drinks or women who drink four or more alcoholic beverages per occasion would be classified as binge drinking.
Heavy Drinking: Binge drinking 5 or more days within the past month, for both men and women.
Alcohol Use Disorder: The clinical diagnosis for alcoholism described in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manuel of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition. This is a chronic and progressive disease where an individual continues to drink alcohol despite experiencing occupational difficulties, legal concerns, financial concerns and interpersonal turmoil in relationships. This diagnosis comes in a range including Mild, Moderate and Severe which is dependent on the number of criteria the individual meets.
The following numbers are taken from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services:
In 2006 there were nearly 1.8 million admissions for treatment of alcohol and drug abuse to facilities that report to State administrative data systems. Most admissions (40 percent) were for alcohol treatment.
Since that time, it appears that the most common addiction has remained as an alcohol addiction. This may be surprising to some given the media attention regarding the opiate epidemic.
According to the American Addiction Centers, a study which produced the following findings comparing the prevalence of Alcohol Use Disorder and other commonly used substances:
Alcoholism statistics on the economic costs to society reveal amazing facts.
First we see the diversified range of costs, from direct treatment and lost employment to victims of alcohol related crimes and the health costs of alcohol abuse.
Second, alcohol dependence and abuse cost the US approximately $249 billion in 2017. This is an increase from costing $220 billion in 2005.
When we look at the global cost of alcoholism, there were 3.3 million deaths (5. 9) in 2012. This breaks down to 7.6% for men and 4.0% for women deaths that were related to alcohol consumption.
Economic costs to society of alcohol abuse and alcoholism, United States, 1983
Types of Cost | Costs ($ millions) |
---|---|
Treatment (for alcohol abuse and alcoholism, liver cirrhosis, motor vehicle crashes, etc) | 13,457 |
Health support services | 1,549 |
Mortality | 18,151 |
Reduced productivity | 65,582 |
Lost employment | 5,323 |
Motor vehicle crashes | 2,697 |
Crime | 2,631 |
Social welfare administration | 49 |
Other | 3,673 |
Victims of crime | 194 |
Incarceration | 2,979 |
Motor vehicle crashes | 590 |
Total | 116,875 |
While reading this can feel daunting, reviewing statistics can help us gain a better understanding of the global impact that alcohol has on individuals. Some individuals grow up with very little exposure to alcohol and may find many of these statistics surprising. If you find yourself wondering if your own drinking is problematic, it may be helpful to read up on the physical effects of abusing alcohol.
It is also helpful to contact a treatment provider to help you determine the kind of help you need to win the struggle against alcohol abuse.
If you or someone close to you wants help and advice on quitting drinking then take a look at the following pages:
Lead Writer/Reviewer : Kayla Loibl
Licensed Medical Health Professional
Hello!
I am a Mental Health Counselor who is licensed in both New York (LMHC) and North Carolina (LCMHC). I have been working in the Mental Health field since 2015. I have worked in a residential setting, an outpatient program and an inpatient addictions program. I began working in Long Island, NY and then in Guelph, Ontario after moving to Canada. Read More
Sources:
Mayo Clinic. Alcohol use disorder. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/alcohol-use-disorder/symptoms-causes/syc-20369243
National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. Understanding Alcohol Use Disorder. 2020. https://www.niaaa.nih.gov/publications/brochures-and-fact-sheets/understanding-alcohol-use-disorder
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Binge Drinking. https://www.cdc.gov/alcohol/fact-sheets/binge-drinking.htm
National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. Drinking Levels Defined. https://www.niaaa.nih.gov/alcohol-health/overview-alcohol-consumption/moderate-binge-drinking
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