In the United States, alcohol is legal, widely available, and culturally acceptable. For these reasons, many people who are struggling with an addiction to alcohol might not think that they have a problem with alcohol abuse. However, addiction to alcohol, also known as alcoholism, is incredibly common. Alcohol abuse statistics can show you how serious alcohol abuse is. Once you know the symptoms to look out for, you can make an informed decision about professional help from an addiction treatment center.
Alcohol Abuse Statistics in the United States
According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, 14.8 million people in the United States struggle with alcohol abuse. This problem does not discriminate based on gender, age, or income level. Some other facts about alcohol abuse in the U.S.:
- 70% of adults drank alcohol at least once in the past year
- 26% of adults report binge drinking at least once in the past year, which involves drinking at least four drinks for women and five for men in a short period of time
- Only about 8% of adults with an alcohol use disorder (AUD) sought treatment in 2018, while 5% of adolescents with AUD received treatment
- About 88,000 people die each year of alcohol-related causes
- Alcohol is the fifth leading factor for premature death
- Alcohol misuse cost the U.S. nearly 250 billion dollars in 2010
Clearly, the consequences of alcohol abuse are staggering. In addition to these measurable outcomes, alcohol abuse can cause damage to relationships, finances, and employment. While drinking might be common in the U.S., for some, it can lead to addiction.
Symptoms of Alcohol Abuse
If you think you or a loved one is struggling with alcohol abuse, a professional treatment program can help you break the cycle of addiction and live a healthy, happy life without the numbing effects of alcohol. However, if you’re not sure if you qualify for an addiction treatment program, the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders provides criteria to determine whether or not you are struggling with an addiction. These include:
- Drinking more than you intended to
- Wanting to cut down on drinking or stop drinking entirely but not succeeding
- Spending a significant amount of time drinking or recovering from the effects of drinking
- Craving alcohol when you are not drinking
- Being unable to fulfill responsibilities at home, school, or work due to drinking
- Drinking even though it has strained your relationships
- Cutting back on other activities in order to spend more time drinking
- Engaging in dangerous activities, like driving or using machinery, after drinking
- Drinking although it caused negative physical or psychological consequences
- Finding that you need to drink more and more often to feel the same effects
- Experiencing withdrawal symptoms after the effects of alcohol have worn off, like insomnia, depression, anxiety, sweating, or nausea
If any of the above apply to you or your loved one, an addiction treatment center can help you rebuild your life and overcome an addiction to alcohol.
Treatment for Alcohol Abuse
Find help at Crossroads Maine. We offer both residential and outpatient treatment for alcohol addiction in a safe, comfortable environment. In our alcohol addiction treatment program, we provide several different therapies to help individuals in our care learn healthy coping skills and tools for success. These include:
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) – Learn how to identify and change negative thoughts and behavior patterns with help from a therapist
- Dialectical behavior treatment (DBT) – Discover healthy coping skills for negative emotions and stressful situations
- Motivational interviewing – Find out what motivates you through guided questions and build strategies for success
- Individual therapy – In one-on-one sessions, you’ll begin to understand and work through the underlying causes of addiction
- Group therapy – Build a strong network of support in sessions with other recovery-focused peers
You can recover from the harmful effects of alcohol abuse at Crossroads Maine. Contact us at 877.978.1667 and take the first steps towards recovery today.
