Alcohol abuse is a pattern of drinking that results in harm to one's health, interpersonal relationships, and/or ability to work. Certain manifestations of alcohol abuse include failure to fulfill responsibilities at work, school, or home; drinking in dangerous situations, such as while driving; legal problems associated with alcohol use; and continued drinking despite problems that are caused or worsened by drinking. The following sections discuss current trends in alcohol use and abuse in the United States, the health consequences of alcohol use, the prevention of alcohol abuse, and the treatment of alcohol abuse and dependence.

Alcohol Consumption: Emerging and Current Trends

Trends in overall alcohol consumption in the United States are monitored by estimating the gallons of ethanol every person aged 14 years and above would ...

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