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In the U. S., 17.6 million people--about l in every 12 adults--abuse alcohol or are alcohol dependent. Anyone can misuse alcohol. The following factors put you at increased risk of developing alcoholism:
- A family member who suffers from alcoholism
- A history of substance abuse
- A history of depression
- Having a post-traumatic stress disorder
- Peer pressure
- Being under stress
- Easy availability of alcohol
People with family histories of alcoholism should be particularly alert for signs of problems. Children of alcoholics are about four times more likely than others to develop alcohol problems, according to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. The addiction may skip a generation, too. A child of an alcoholic may never drink, but still pass on a genetic vulnerability to their children and/or an unhealthy lifestyle that could lead to drinking.
Other risk-related statistics:
- The risk for alcoholism is higher among people who begin to drink in their early teens, as opposed to after age 21.
- More men than women are alcohol dependent or experience alcohol-related problems.
- Rates of alcohol problems are highest among young adults ages 18 to 29 and lowest among adults 65 years and older.
- Rates of alcoholism and alcohol-related problems vary among major ethnic groups. Alcoholism is twice as high among Native Americans than other Americans. Hispanics have a higher rate of alcoholism than African Americans or Caucasians.
More than 100,000 Americans die of alcohol-related causes every year. Alcoholism and alcohol abuse can be factors in violent crimes, teen pregnancies and date rape. If you suspect that you or someone you know has a problem, seek help now.
This article was reviewed and updated June 2007.
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