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Alcoholism: How Common is It?

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Brandan Wisterman

Alcoholism is a serious disease that can have devastating consequences for individuals and their loved ones. Therefore, it is essential to know the signs of alcoholism and to get help if you or someone you know is struggling with this disease. 

This blog post will discuss how common alcoholism is and its health problems. We will also provide information on where to find alcoholism treatment in Massachusetts.

 

How Common is Alcoholism?

Alcoholism is a disease that affects millions of people in the United States. It can be challenging to recognize the signs of alcoholism, but it is vital to do so because early detection and treatment are crucial to preventing more serious health problems. 

More people than you may imagine are suffering from alcohol use disorders. According to studies cited by Psychology Today, 29.1 percent of the US population – that's 68.5 million people – have experienced an alcohol use disorder at some point in their lifetime. Furthermore, approximately 32.6 million Americans experience alcohol use disorder within a year.

 

What Are The Risk Factors For Alcohol Abuse?

The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) reports that alcoholism can develop from genetic, psychological, and environmental factors. Some of the risk factors for alcoholism include: 

# Family history of alcoholism

# Childhood trauma or abuse

# Mental health disorders such as anxiety or depression

# Stressful life events such as job loss or divorce

# Easy access to alcohol

# Problems with impulse control

If you have any of these risk factors, it does not mean you will develop alcoholism. However, be aware of the risks so that you can get help if you start to experience any signs of alcoholism.


Signs That Someone Might Be An Alcoholic

Unfortunately, Alcohol is a legal drug that is easy to obtain. In addition, it is socially acceptable to drink alcohol, making it challenging to spot alcoholism early on. However, there are some telltale signs that alcoholism might be a problem.

 

Signs of alcoholism include: 

# Memory impairment

# Avoiding work, family, and life to drink

# Being secretive about the extent of drinking

# Unable to control how much you drink

# Continuing to drink even though it is causing problems in your life

# Being distressed at the possibility of not having access to alcohol


Seeking Help is The First Step to Recovery

If you think you or someone you know might be an alcoholic, the first step is to seek help; many resources are available to help people struggling with alcoholism. One resource is Alcoholics Anonymous (AA). AA is a 12-step program that helps people recover from alcoholism. AA meetings are held in communities worldwide, and they are free to attend. 

Another resource is treatment centers; many alcoholism treatment centers are located across the United States. The East Coast Recovery Center is one alcoholism treatment center that offers help to people struggling with alcoholism. If you or a family member needs alcoholism treatment in Massachusetts, the East Coast Recovery Center can help.

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