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Alcohol Abuse and Misuse

FACTS

 


  • According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, men who drink more than four drinks on any day and women who drink more than three drinks on any day are at risk for alcoholism or alcohol abuse.
  • 28 % of adults aged 18 or older drink at heavy or at risk levels.
  • In 2007, 18.6 million persons aged 12 or older were classified with dependence on or abuse of alcohol.  
  • An estimated 30.5 million people aged 12 or older drove under the influence of alcohol at least once in the past year. 
  • 23% of people aged 12 or older, or 55 million people, participated in binge drinking (consumption of five or more drinks on a single occasion) at least once in the past 30 days. 
  • Among those 18-25 years old, the percentage participating in binge drinking increases to 42%. 
Sources
 
NIAAA, Rethinking Drinking, 2009; 2007 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, SAMHSA; State Estimates of Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol and Illicit Drugs in the Past Year among Current Drivers Aged 18 or Older: Average of 2004-2006, SAMHSA, 2008
 

Standard Drink Equivalents: 12 oz Beer = 8.5 oz Malt Liquor = 5 oz Wine = 1.5 oz 80 proof Spirits. All the drinks
in the above graphic contain approximately the same amount of alcohol and count as a single standard drink.
 
 
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