Alcohol

The Facts on Alcohol Abuse in America

Alcohol is a psychoactive drug that has a depressant effect. Alcohol, consumed across cultures, often used to help and promote social interaction, is popular, generally accepted and legal.

The facts:

• 88,000 deaths are annually attributed to excessive alcohol use
• 17.6 million people, or one in every 12 adults, suffer from alcohol abuse or dependence along with several million more who engage in risky, binge drinking patterns that could lead to alcohol problems.
• Alcoholism is the 3rd leading lifestyle-related cause of death in the nation
• Excessive alcohol use is responsible for 2.5 million years of potential life lost (YPLL) annually, or an average of about 30 years of potential life lost for each death
• Drinking, which often occurs with teenagers and young adults, may lead to faster development of alcoholism
• Up to 40% of all hospital beds in the United States (except for those being used by maternity and intensive care patients) are being used to treat health conditions that are related to alcohol consumption

(Statistics provided by Center for Disease Control, 2012)

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