Alcoholism Statistics
The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism estimates that nearly twenty million adults (7.2% of those in America) qualify as alcoholics.
In 2012, only 8% of these individuals received any treatment for their alcohol addictions. Estimates also state that roughly 100,000 individuals with drinking problems die yearly from alcohol-related causes, making it the third leading cause of preventable death.
Other statistics related to alcoholism:
- Almost 7% of deaths around the world are attributed to alcohol consumption
- It costs the United States over 200 billion dollars each year to attend to alcohol-related consequences
- It contributes to over 200 disease and injury-related conditions
- It is estimated that between ten and thirteen percent of children live with a parent who is an alcoholic
Alcohol Abuse is the practice of binging or drinking too much, but it does not necessarily mean an addiction. Nowadays, the clinical term is ‘Alcohol Use Disorder.’ Alcoholism describes a situation where someone has become psychologically and physically dependent on drinking. It is also called Alcohol Dependency, dependence, or problem drinking. Regardless of the clinical wording, you may have a problem with alcohol addiction if you cannot curb or stop drinking.
Alcohol Abuse Warning
The American Medical Association, the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration consider alcohol addiction a progressive disorder or disease.
This is an often discussed and debated concept, often regarded as self-inflicted. However, it fits all the criteria of the disease model of being chronic, frequently relapsing, having discernible symptoms, and requiring specific treatments. Alcoholism develops high tolerances to drinking, where one will have to pursue drinks with a higher percentage of alcohol to get drunk over time. Dependency also means withdrawal when a heavy drinker doesn’t have the correct alcohol levels in their body.
The withdrawal symptoms can vary, ranging from minor things to severe and life-threatening complications. Some “light” withdrawal symptoms are migraines, nausea, anxiety, shakes, insomnia, profuse sweat, and fatigue. On the other hand, irregular heartbeat, high blood pressure, hallucinations, disorientation, and Delirium Tremens are more severe symptoms.
Alcoholism impacts family members, partners, friends, and even colleagues. The social problems provoked by alcoholism include financial issues, unemployment, and legal issues derived from public intoxication and drunk driving.
Cirrhosis of the liver, Type II diabetes, and increased chance of heart disease and death are some of the drug’s long-term and most severe physical effects. Alcohol worsens depressive tendencies, leading to suicide attempts and other self-sabotaging behavior. It has led to sexual dysfunction in a relevant percentage of people.
Rehab for Alcohol
Alcohol treatment, including therapy at La Jolla Recovery alcohol rehab, will help you or your loved one quit drinking through comprehensive and science-based approaches. For instance, inpatient alcohol rehab provides a controlled and supportive environment. It gives you time to clean and detox your system, reducing discomfort and increasing sobriety outcomes.
Once alcohol no longer circulates in your bloodstream, our team will develop a specific program tailored to your needs. A wide array of repressed emotions kept underground by alcohol consumption will emerge, which might be challenging to deal with initially. That is where the therapy comes in: not ignoring the positive community you will be surrounded by. A licensed facilitator will help you learn how to handle sobriety and analyze the triggers of your alcoholism.
Are you suffering from another substance use disorder along with alcohol, such as prescription abuse or heroin? We attend multi-substance use disorder by understanding detoxing with a clinical focus and making it easier to begin rehabilitation. Alcoholism detox often is compounded with concurrent substance abuse, such as heroin or meth, among others.
We are glad to review your substance use to ensure they are attended to well during detox and rehab. La Jolla Recovery clinicians have over a decade of experience successfully treating those who have alcoholism. We also participate in mental health disorders such as depression and anxiety in suffering from dual diagnoses.
Do you live in Texas, New York, Arizona, Florida, or out of state, and wonder if rehab away from home is a better option? Have a job or need to be with family while getting help? Outpatient might be the right solution for you, and we can suggest a local sober living afterward. Need a luxury rehab facility? We follow California’s Covid protocols for your safety as you travel to San Diego, California. Let us coordinate the travel so you have fewer worries and more focus on an out-of-state
