5 Shocking Alcohol Abuse Facts [Infographic]

Alcohol abuse is a rampant and growing problem. It can impact people of all demographics. However, it is often ignored until it starts to personally affect individuals you know and love. Explore the issue with these five shocking alcohol abuse facts.

1. Liver Disease Caused by Alcohol Kills Thousands Every Year

Alcohol is responsible for more than 100,000 deaths each year. Alcohol can lead to fatal car accidents, overdoses, and severe health problems. One of the most dangerous side effects of alcohol abuse is liver disease. In the United States alone, almost 20,000 men and women die annually because of alcohol-induced liver disease.

2. More Than 20 Percent of Americans Binge Drink

Binge drinking is defined as consuming more than four drinks in two hours, for women, and more than five drinks in two hours for men. Binge drinking is the most likely precursor of alcohol dependence, abuse, and addiction.

Sadly, binge drinking is not a rare phenomenon. More than one in every five Americans over the age of 18 reports that they binge drank in the past year. The majority of these individuals report binge drinking at least monthly.

3. Far Too Many Americans Fall Into the Treatment Gap

One of the worst alcohol abuse facts relates to how few people get the help they need. Less than seven percent of the millions who suffer from alcohol abuse disorders at any time actually get support. Without professional support, recovery is unlikely.

4. Alcohol Abuse Fact is that it is Expensive for the Whole Country

If you’re addicted to alcohol, you might spend a lot of money on alcohol. You might also struggle to earn money or make sound financial decisions. However, the cost of alcohol abuse on a national scale is staggering. The total costs are more than $249 billion each year, which covers police costs, healthcare, and legal fees, among many other expenses.

5. Alcohol Dependence is More Common Than You Might Expect

Alcohol abuse impacts far more people than you realize. A whopping 17 percent of all American men will struggle with alcohol abuse in their lives. For women, the likelihood is lower, at eight percent. Nonetheless, the reality is that alcohol abuse is very common.

Alcohol abuse is a serious and widespread issue. Fortunately, attending an alcohol addiction treatment center can be the answer. At Beaches Recovery in Jacksonville, Florida, you can fight back against alcohol abuse and addiction. Call 866.605.0532 and start working toward sobriety today.