Alcoholism statistics show an estimated 15 million people struggle with an alcohol use disorder in the United States, with less than 10% of them receiving any treatment. More than 65 million Americans report binge drinking, which is more than 40% of the total of current alcohol users. Then you have teenage alcohol use that kills 4,700 people each year. About 18% of recovering alcoholics were able to abstain from drinking completely one year later. The recovery rates are less than 36% for people with a severe or lifetime alcohol dependence. A recent US study found that more than 40% of people who died violently had alcohol in their bloodstream.
Over time, excessive alcohol use can lead to chronic diseases and other serious problems. These issues include alcohol use disorder, problems with learning, memory, mental health, high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, liver disease, and cancer. Excessive alcohol use has immediate effects that increase the risk of many harmful health conditions, including injuries, violence, and poisonings. Included would be unintended pregnancy, poor pregnancy outcomes and sexually transmitted infections.
The Community Preventive Services Task Force promotes proven prevention strategies to stop alcoholism. They recommend in order to prevent excessive alcohol use and related harms in communities by increasing alcohol taxes, regulating alcohol outlet density and holding retailers accountable for harms that result from illegally serving or selling alcohol. Some other measures are taken to maintain existing government controls over alcohol sales (avoiding privatization), limits on the days and hours when alcohol can be sold. The use of electronic devices, such as computers, telephones, and mobile devices, to screen people for excessive alcohol use and deliver a brief intervention. Lastly, enforce laws that prohibit alcohol sales to minors.
If you believe that you may be experiencing alcoholism and feel we can help, please call us at 772-932-9310 to schedule an appointment. You can also reach us by going to our website www.hobesoundprimarycare.com. We look forward to helping you meet your health goals.
