Alcohol Use

It is estimated that about three-quarters of the population drink alcohol. Of this number, about 10% will find that their alcohol consumption leads to serious problems involving their health, relationships with family and friends, work, and finances. This situation, when one uses alcohol despite apparent harm to one's self and well-being, is called alcohol abuse (or dependence), or alcoholism. Men are five times more likely than women to develop this condition. However, the incidence of alcoholism among women has increased in the past 30 years. The people most affected are between the ages of 18 and 30 years.

Causes of Alcohol Use

Alcoholism is a medical condition. While the exact cause of alcoholism is unknown, research has shown increasing evidence that susceptibility to it may be inherited and the risk of developing this medical condition rises significantly in families with relatives (in particular, parents and siblings) who are dependent on alcohol.

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