With alcohol abuse, a person is not yet physically dependent on alcohol but still has a serious drinking problem. Symptoms include a failure to fulfill major work, school, or home responsibilities, legal or social problems, or drinking in situations that are dangerous, such as while driving. Treatment may include support groups, counseling, or medications to prevent relapse.
More than 10 percent of U.S. children live with a parent with alcohol problems.
In 2012, 3.3 million deaths, or 5.9 percent of all global deaths were attributable to alcohol consumption.
In 2010, alcohol misuse cost the United States $249 billion.
In 2013, of the 72,559 liver disease deaths among individuals ages 12 and older, 45.8 percent involved alcohol.
Although alcoholism is more than twice as common among men than women, men have up to a 50% lower death rate.
Women alcoholics have a higher percentage of death due to alcohol-related injuries, suicides, and circulatory disorders.