1 in 8 Americans Struggle with Alcohol Abuse, Says New Study
In findings from a study conducted by researchers from the National Institute on Alcohol and Alcoholism, the New York State Psychiatric Institute and Columbia University, it is estimated that nearly one out of every eight Americans is actively struggling with alcohol abuse.
The study tracked drinking patterns of 40,000 people, first from 2002-2003, and again from 2012-2013, and relied on heavily controlled self-reporting of drinking habits. Between the two rounds of research, the rate of alcohol abuse rose by almost 50%.
During the research conducted in 2002-2003, 8.5% of the population was affected by alcohol abuse; during the research conducted in 2012-2012, abuse of alcohol was affecting 12.7% of the population. This means that 30 million Americans are currently struggling with the alcohol of abuse.
In findings from a study conducted by researchers from the National Institute on Alcohol and Alcoholism, the New York State Psychiatric Institute and Columbia University, it is estimated that nearly one out of every eight Americans is actively struggling with alcohol abuse.
The study tracked drinking patterns of 40,000 people, first from 2002-2003, and again from 2012-2013, and relied on heavily controlled self-reporting of drinking habits. Between the two rounds of research, the rate of alcohol abuse rose by almost 50%.
During the research conducted in 2002-2003, 8.5% of the population was affected by alcohol abuse; during the research conducted in 2012-2012, alcohol abuse was affecting 12.7% of the population. This means that 30 million Americans are currently struggling with the abuse of alcohol.
“This means that 30 million Americans are currently struggling with alcohol abuse.”
While the rate of alcohol abuse increased by nearly 84% among women, it practically doubled among African Americans, reaching 92.8%. The highest increase in alcohol abuse, however, is among senior citizens. Those 65 and older experienced a 106.7% increase, while those aged 45-65 increased at 81.5%.
The study also tracked “high risk” drinking, which is defined as four or more drinks a day for women, and five or more for men, plus one day per week exceeding those limits.
Like alcohol abuse, high risk drinking has increased significantly, from 9.7% in 2002-2003 to 13.7% in 2012-2013.
There is no clear reason for the rapid increase in the abuse of alcohol, but researches claim that it constitutes a “public health crisis” on par with the nation’s current opioid crisis.
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