Alcoholism is the leading addiction problem in the United States. Though alcohol is legal, people can overindulge and abuse it. According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), 64 percent of Americans drink alcohol, and 50 percent are regular drinkers. What makes one a regular drinker versus an alcoholic?

It is estimated that 18 million (one in every 12) adults in the United States abuse alcohol and are chronic alcoholics. Nearly 100,000 Americans die each year due to alcohol abuse, and alcohol is involved in more than half of the country’s homicides, suicides, and accidents. Alcoholism can cause impotence in men, damage to the fetus in a pregnant woman, hypoglycemia, high blood pressure, brain and heart damage, liver damage, recurrent pancreatitis, and a higher risk of cancer of the larynx, esophagus, liver, breast, stomach, pancreas, and upper gastrointestinal tract.

Alcoholism is most commonly attributed to a blend of genetic, physical, psychological, environmental, and social factors. One of the biggest influencing factors is genetics. According to WebMD, “Genetic factors are considered crucial: A given person's risk of becoming an alcoholic is four to five times greater if a parent is alcoholic.” People who suffer from alcoholism have a craving for alcohol, lose control when drinking alcohol, and are dependent on alcohol. Alcoholics will often drink alone, drink in secret, lack self-control about the amount of alcohol they consume, black out while drinking, keep secret stashes of alcohol, exhibit withdrawal symptoms when they are not drinking alcohol, and constantly feel an urge to drink alcohol.

As is true with all addictions, treating alcoholism can often be difficult because of denial. The ultimate goal for treating an alcoholic is abstinence/sobriety. According to WebMD, approximately 50–60 percent of alcoholics remain abstinent at the end of a year’s treatment, and a majority of that group stays sober permanently. Individuals who suffer from poor social support, poor motivation, or psychiatric disorders tend to relapse within a few years.

Alcoholism is the leading addiction in the United States. Alcoholism, like any other addiction or mental health disorder, should not be ignored. If alcoholism is left untreated, it can escalate and lead to financial troubles, ruined relationships, other addictions, and even death. There are multiple treatment options available. Solace Counseling can work with alcoholics to create a customized treatment plan. If you or people you know are suffering from alcoholism, contact Solace Counseling to get started on the road to recovery today!