JAMA Study Shows 1 in 8 Americans Suffers from Alcohol Use Disorder

Study Reveals Growing Prevalence of Alcohol Use Disorders in America

According to a 2017 study published by JAMA Psychiatry, roughly one out of eight Americans struggles with alcoholism or another alcohol use disorder. The study involved 40,000 subjects, whose drinking habits were evaluated during 2002 and 2003 and once more in 2012 and 2013. Results show that alcohol use disorders increased by nearly 50 percent over the course of 10 years.

When defining the term “alcohol use disorder,” the researchers who conducted the study used the definition provided in the DSM-IV in 1994, which combines aspects of alcohol dependence and abuse, such as:

• Alcohol use increases the likelihood of injury to self or others
• Alcohol use interfering with work, family, and home life
• Difficulty stopping oneself from further alcohol consumption
• Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when sobering up

Understand the difference between addiction and substance abuse.

Research Shows More Americans Engaging in High-Risk Drinking

In addition to tracking alcoholism and alcohol abuse, researchers identified what they refer to as “high-risk drinking,” which is defined as at least four drinks per day for women and five for men and consuming alcohol in excess of these limits at least once a week. Much like alcohol abuse, the rate of high-risk drinking has ballooned from roughly 9 percent of the population to nearly 14 percent.

High-risk drinking often results in alcohol dependence, addiction, and dangerous abuse among people of all demographics and socioeconomic classes, though a number of groups displayed troubling statistics:

• Women: Alcohol use disorders increased by approximately 84 percent of women who participated in the study.
• Minorities: African American participants in the JAMA study experienced a 92 percent increase in alcoholism and alcohol use disorders from 2002 to 2013.
• Senior citizens: Among study participants ages 65 and older, the study revealed an astonishing 106 percent increase in alcoholism, high-risk drinking, and other alcohol use disorders.

These groups showed the greatest increase in alcohol-related disorders in this particular study, but people of any age are susceptible to developing life-threatening substance abuse patterns and addictions. Click to read about how dangerous drinking habits are killing young adults in America.

We Serve Adults Struggling with Alcohol Use Disorder

At Decision Point Center, we understand the factors that play into the development of alcohol use disorders, and we know what it takes to reestablish health and sobriety. We work with people who wish to overcome alcohol use disorders of all kinds, including alcoholism, binge drinking, and more. When you come to our alcohol rehab center in Prescott for help, we provide treatment that is tailored to your unique needs, as well as continual support and encouragement throughout your recovery journey.

Call (844) 292-5010 or contact us to learn about our alcohol rehabilitation treatments in Northern Arizona.