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Alcohol Abuse and Dependence Remain High While Treatment Rates are Low
Almost a third of U.S. adults have abused alcohol during their lifetimes, and most said they did not seek treatment, according to a study conducted by researchers at the Mailman School. People aged 30 to 44 showed the highest rate of abuse, and men were more than twice as likely as women to report struggling with a drinking problem, according to a survey of 43,093 people. Only 24% of those who reported being dependent said they sought treatment.
About 18% of adults reported abusing alcohol during their lifetimes, and almost 13% said they had become dependent on it, a condition defined by heightened tolerance and physical withdrawal symptoms when individuals stop heavy drinking. Alcohol abuse was defined by researchers as drinking particularly tied to hazardous use, including driving and drinking, as well as to legal and interpersonal problems. Dependence was tied to unsuccessful repeated efforts to cut down or stop, withdrawal symptoms, and considerable disability.
"Treatments for alcohol dependence are as effective as treatments for many other medical conditions. Yet, most of the individuals surveyed reported not receiving the treatment they needed," noted Deborah Hasin, PhD, professor of clinical Epidemiology in Psychiatry and lead author of the study. "The rate of treatment has been at a standstill since the early 1990s. With U.S. costs for alcohol misuse estimated at $184.6 billion, health officials need to increase awareness of the dangers of alcoholism and the improved therapies available," said Dr. Hasin.
The research also found 8.5% of adults reported either abusing alcohol or becoming dependent within the past 12 months. Current alcohol abuse was more prevalent among men, white people and younger and unmarried people. According to the study, alcohol abuse developed at an average age of 22.5.
The study was funded by the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism and published in the July issue of Archives of General Psychiatry.
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