It’s easy to get caught up in the superficial appeal to alcohol. But just because alcohol can be dressed up doesn’t mean that its risks are any less real. Alcohol is a drug and we need to be mindful of its effects. Learn more about these surprising facts about alcohol addiction.
Shocking Facts About Alcohol Addiction
The following statistics and truths are five facts about alcohol abuse and addiction.
1. Men Are More Likely Than Women To Drink In Excess, Raising Their Risk Of Health And Behavior Problems
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), men are more likely than women to drink excessively (15 drinks or more per week). Significant drinking is synonymous with perilous behavior, which places men more at risk for injury or death. For instance, men are twice as likely to be be part of deadly car crashes due to alcohol consumption. They also consistently have higher rates of hospitalization, cases of physical assault or suicide while being under the influence of alcohol.
2. Two-Thirds Of High School Students Who Drink, Consume To The Point Of Drunkenness
Experts estimate that two out of three high school students who drink do so to reach a state of intoxication. In other words, they binge drink, consuming five or more drinks in a row. Doing this on a consistent basis raises the risk of physical fighting, poor school performance, dangerous sexual activity, smoking and alcohol-impaired driving.
3. Approximately 17% Of Men And 8% Of Women Will Be Dependent On Alcohol In Their Lifetime
Being dependent on alcohol means that a person cannot function without it. For some people, they may hold down a steady job and raise a family but need alcohol to relax or have fun. Others may bring alcohol into their daily lives, allowing the dependency to progress into an addiction. At this point, the user needs detox and a structured program at a drug addiction treatment center.
4. Alcohol Is The Third Highest Cause Of Death In The United States
The CDC estimates that there are over 80,000 deaths due to alcohol in the U.S. each year. That makes alcohol one of the highest causes of death in our country. The health risks associated with excessive drinking include injuries, violence, alcohol poisoning and the development of chronic diseases. Read these 3 facts about drug addiction and your brain.
5. Alcohol Abuse Can Lead To Long-Term Health Conditions
Alcohol abuse severely diminishes quality of life. It can lead to long-term health conditions such as depression, anxiety, dementia, liver disease, heart problems and multiple cancers. There were over 2.5 million years of potential life lost in the U.S. due to alcohol abuse between the years of 2006-10. Those who died had their average lifespans shorted by about 30 years.
Luxury Alcohol Addiction Treatment
These alcohol addiction facts are no joke. If you or someone you love is struggling with alcohol, call us now. The Dunes East Hampton is a luxury rehab center and private treatment facility in the East Hamptons. We offer both holistic and the most advanced treatment therapies available. We will create a customized addiction treatment programs based off of you or your loved one’s needs.
