The Seven Alcohol Statistics & Facts for 2009!

Below are seven alcohol statistics for alcoholics and problem drinkers to chew over! But then again, there are plenty of frightening stats on the dangers or smoking, but that seems to do little to encourage many to stop, or others to pick up for the first time! Still, we mustn’t stop exposing the dangers of abusing any food berverage or substance, because if the penny drops hard enough and encourages just a handful of people to sit up and take note, then it’s well worth the effort. There’s no question of doubt that Alcohol abuse is something that has no social, economic, religious, or cultural boundaries. Anyone with a pulse, no matter who they are or where they come from, is susceptible to the grips of alcoholism. It’s a known fact that the medical profession is at a loss as to what to do with drunks. Ok, so on with the stats:

1. Alcohol the Drug: Such is the widespread use and availability of alcohol that it is the primary drug of abuse by those seeking treatment for addiction.

2. Alcohol Related Problems within the Family: Professionals who collect alcoholism statistics say that 3 out of every 10 adults report that dinking has caused rifts and major problems within the home. Domestic drunks are on the increase!

3. Alcohol Abuse can Harm you Baby during Pregnancy: A condition known as Fetal Alcohol Syndrome is one of the major causes of mental retardation when unborn babies are exposed to alcohol during pregnancy.

4. Alcoholism Statistics and the Brain Drain: As many as 1 in 10 people over the age of 25 are alcoholic or borderline alcoholic. Alcohol is considered a drug and so becomes addictive in those folks who are vulnerable. Addiction is centred in the mind, and craving is centred in the body. The mind of an alcoholic addict will tell him to drink (even when he doesn’t want to). Once the alcohol enters the body, the physical craving will take over and he is unable to stop unless he reaches the point where he physically cannot put any more into his body without throwing up, or he passes out.

5. Who gets well? Only those alcoholics, who want to recover, will recover from their seemingly hopeless condition. The Alcoholism Statistics for successful recovery, i.e. those who have managed to live without a drink after stopping are sketchy at best. Figures floating around in AA circles say that about 50% of those new into their fellowship no longer desire a drink from their first day of recovery, and therefore are deemed as a success. Many would say these alcoholism statistics are way out, but it’s important to remember that these are just averages. A further 25% get well after a relapse or two, and the remaining 25% remains uncertain. It’s important to note that A.A. does not at any time keep track of its individual members, and so the above are just estimates based on feedback from various groups.

6. Woman in Recovery from Alcoholism: Women currently make up around 35% of AA membership but the trend is up, and this figure is expected to rise in the coming years.

7. Age Groups: According to the Alcoholics Anonymous website, the average age of the recovering alcoholic currently stands at 48 years. Starting with the youngest, the under 21’s make up just 1.5% of the fellowship, 21-30 year olds represent 7.9%, 41-50 years constitute the majority at 33% and 61-70 yrs, 11.5%. These figure fluctuate with each survey, but the above gives some idea of what percentage of common age groups are currently seeking treatment

Sadly, negative Alcoholism Statistics for the 21st Century report that the trend in problems with alcohol is on the increase. Although there is more help and advice for alcoholics and problem drinkers than at any time ever, the preventative and educational messages informing folks of the dangers of alcohol don’t seem to filter into society. Sure, they get heard, but such is the temptation to legally get high that most people ignore such warnings until they develop a problem. Then and only then do a small percentage try to do something about their addiction.

Also read:
Alcoholism Statistics - A worrying Trend! - What you should know!
AA Online Meetings 2008 - Where to find meetings online!
More on the Alcoholics Anonymous Online Meetings! - Getting sober online!
Alternatives to AA Too many drunks not staying around. Why?