Alcoholism
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Alcohol Treatment
The impact of alcohol and drugs on American life is far reaching. It is
estimated that over 10 million American adults and 3 million American
teens are in need of alcohol treatment and have alcohol related
problems or are alcoholic. The Institute of Medicine of the National
Academy of Sciences estimates that alcoholism and alcohol abuse in
the United States cost society from $40 to $60 billion annually, due to
the lost production, health and medical care and alcohol treatment,
motor vehicle accidents, violent crime, and social programs that
respond to alcohol problems.
For many people, the facts about alcoholism and alcohol treatment are
not clear. What is alcoholism, exactly? How does it differ from alcohol
abuse? When should a person seek help for a problem related to his or
her drinking? The following information explains both alcoholism and
alcohol abuse, the symptoms of each, when and where to seek help,
alcohol treatment choices, and additional helpful resources.
Any concerns you may have about discussing drinking-related
problems with your health care provider may stem from common
misconceptions about alcoholism and alcoholic people. In our society,
the myth prevails that an alcohol problem is a sign of moral weakness.
As a result, you may feel that to seek help is to admit some type of
shameful defect in yourself. In fact, alcoholism is a disease that is no
more a sign of weakness than is asthma. Moreover, taking steps to
identify a possible drinking problem has an enormous payoff—a chance
for a healthier, more rewarding life.
Alcoholism and Alcohol Related Problems
For most people who drink, alcohol is a pleasant accompaniment to
social activities. Moderate alcohol use—up to two drinks per day for
men and one drink per day for women and older people—is not harmful
for most adults. (A standard drink is one 12-ounce bottle or can of
either beer or wine cooler, one 5-ounce glass of wine, or 1.5 ounces of
80-proof distilled spirits.) Nonetheless, a large number of people get
into serious trouble because of their drinking and subsequently may
require alcohol treatment. Currently, nearly 14 million Americans—1 in
every 13 adults—abuse alcohol or are alcoholic. Several million more
adults engage in risky drinking that could lead to alcohol problems.
These patterns include binge drinking and heavy drinking on a regular
basis. In addition, 53 percent of men and women in the United States
report that one or more of their close relatives have a drinking problem.
The consequences of alcohol misuse are serious—in many cases, life
threatening. Heavy drinking can increase the risk for certain cancers,
especially those of the liver, esophagus, throat, and larynx (voice box).
Heavy drinking can also cause liver cirrhosis, immune system
problems, brain damage, and harm to the fetus during pregnancy. In
addition, drinking increases the risk of death from automobile crashes
as well as recreational and on-the-job injuries. Furthermore, both
homicides and suicides are more likely to be committed by persons
who have been drinking. In purely economic terms, alcohol-related
problems cost society approximately $185 billion per year. In human
terms, the costs cannot be calculated.
Daven Salmi, LCDC
The impact of alcohol and drugs on American life is far reaching. It is
estimated that over 10 million American adults and 3 million American
teens are in need of alcohol treatment and have alcohol related
problems or are alcoholic. The Institute of Medicine of the National
Academy of Sciences estimates that alcoholism and alcohol abuse in
the United States cost society from $40 to $60 billion annually, due to
the lost production, health and medical care and alcohol treatment,
motor vehicle accidents, violent crime, and social programs that
respond to alcohol problems.
For many people, the facts about alcoholism and alcohol treatment are
not clear. What is alcoholism, exactly? How does it differ from alcohol
abuse? When should a person seek help for a problem related to his or
her drinking? The following information explains both alcoholism and
alcohol abuse, the symptoms of each, when and where to seek help,
alcohol treatment choices, and additional helpful resources.
Any concerns you may have about discussing drinking-related
problems with your health care provider may stem from common
misconceptions about alcoholism and alcoholic people. In our society,
the myth prevails that an alcohol problem is a sign of moral weakness.
As a result, you may feel that to seek help is to admit some type of
shameful defect in yourself. In fact, alcoholism is a disease that is no
more a sign of weakness than is asthma. Moreover, taking steps to
identify a possible drinking problem has an enormous payoff—a chance
for a healthier, more rewarding life.
Alcoholism and Alcohol Related Problems
For most people who drink, alcohol is a pleasant accompaniment to
social activities. Moderate alcohol use—up to two drinks per day for
men and one drink per day for women and older people—is not harmful
for most adults. (A standard drink is one 12-ounce bottle or can of
either beer or wine cooler, one 5-ounce glass of wine, or 1.5 ounces of
80-proof distilled spirits.) Nonetheless, a large number of people get
into serious trouble because of their drinking and subsequently may
require alcohol treatment. Currently, nearly 14 million Americans—1 in
every 13 adults—abuse alcohol or are alcoholic. Several million more
adults engage in risky drinking that could lead to alcohol problems.
These patterns include binge drinking and heavy drinking on a regular
basis. In addition, 53 percent of men and women in the United States
report that one or more of their close relatives have a drinking problem.
The consequences of alcohol misuse are serious—in many cases, life
threatening. Heavy drinking can increase the risk for certain cancers,
especially those of the liver, esophagus, throat, and larynx (voice box).
Heavy drinking can also cause liver cirrhosis, immune system
problems, brain damage, and harm to the fetus during pregnancy. In
addition, drinking increases the risk of death from automobile crashes
as well as recreational and on-the-job injuries. Furthermore, both
homicides and suicides are more likely to be committed by persons
who have been drinking. In purely economic terms, alcohol-related
problems cost society approximately $185 billion per year. In human
terms, the costs cannot be calculated.
Daven Salmi, LCDC
Help is on the way!
Confidential Individual Counseling Available
Alcoholism is a common problem in America.
Some people need individual help and
support to find meaningful recovery.
Alcoholism is a common problem in America.
Some people need individual help and
support to find meaningful recovery.
