Alcohol Use, Abuse, and Dependence

The majority of adults in the United States drink alcohol, and their use of alcohol does not cause them or others who know them any problems. However, for others, drinking leads to a range of difficulties, which may be financial, vocational, legal, emotional, physical, or interpersonal. It is estimated that about 18 million adults in the United States experience a problem with alcohol use and many others sometimes engage in risky drinking, such as occasionally driving while intoxicated, or drink more than they should, which can lead to a range of other problems. Among the group of people who struggle with alcohol consumption, the problems that arise due to drinking vary along a continuum from minimal to moderate or, for some, to severe. In this ...