Alcohol Abuse
Thursday, April 17, 2008

While alcohol abuse and alcoholism are estimated to affect one-third of American adults, most of those are not getting the help they need. Dr. Ken Davis discusses this study in today’s 60 Second Housecall.

A study on alcohol abuse and dependence published in the Archives of General Psychiatry concluded that 30 percent of adults in this country have experienced alcohol abuse or alcoholism.  They also noted that fewer people are getting treatment for alcohol use disorders.

The study was based on surveys from more than 43,000 U.S. adults. Of those surveyed:

�   Nearly 18 percent had at one time abused alcohol and almost 5 percent had done so in the past year.

�   12 percent had at one time been alcoholics and nearly 4 percent had been alcoholics in the past year.

�   Only 24 percent of those who had been alcoholics received treatment, and

�   Only 7 percent of those who had abused alcohol received treatment.

If you, a friend or loved one has a drinking problem, don’t hesitate to get professional help. Your doctor or other health provider can provide resources to help.

For North Mississippi Medical Center, I’m Dr. Ken Davis.