Alcoholism Facts

Facts about Alcoholism

• More than seven percent of the population ages 18 years and older — nearly 13.8 million Americans — have problems with drinking, including 8.1 million people who suffer from alcoholism.

• 3.1 million Americans — approximately 1.4% of the population 12 and older — received addiction treatment for alcoholism and alcohol-related problems in 1997; treatment peaked among people 26-34.

• Studies of suicide victims in the general population show that about 20% are alcoholic.

• As many as 3 million Americans over the age of 60 are alcoholics or have serious drinking problems.

• Two-thirds of the population consumes alcohol, but 10% of drinkers drink half of all alcohol consumed.

• Alcohol contributes to 100,000 deaths annually, making it the third leading cause of preventable death in this country.