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In the United States, for people 18 and older, about 10% of men and almost 5% of women have severe problems with drinking. Millions more are engaged in what experts consider risky drinking. Alcohol is a cause of about 88,000 deaths per year in the United States — it is the third leading preventable cause of death. About one-third of driving fatalities are related to alcohol use. A person with alcohol use disorder has come to rely on alcohol physically, psychologically and/or emotionally. The brain adapts to the presence of alcohol and undergoes persistent changes.

For example, performing poorly at work, flunking classes, neglecting your kids, or skipping out on commitments because you’re hung over. A number of studies have looked at alcohol use among specific racial and ethnic populations, including Black, sober house Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) communities. There are several treatment options available for AUD, and there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. Those with Korsakoff syndrome may “confabulate,” or make up, information they can’t remember.

Impact on your health

Nerves don’t have a resilient ability to regenerate if they are severely damaged. The nerve damage of alcoholic neuropathy may be permanent if the damage has been taking place for a long period of time or if it persists. In general, it takes years for alcoholic neuropathy to develop, so a long-standing history of heavy alcohol use is typical. Some people experience a faster onset and progression of alcoholic neuropathy than others.

Excessive alcohol consumption costs the United States more than $220 billion each year which combines lost productivity, health care costs, criminal justice costs and other effects. If you feel that you sometimes drink too much alcohol, or your drinking is causing problems, or if your family is concerned about your drinking, talk with your health care provider. Other ways to get help include talking with a mental health professional or seeking help from a support group such as Alcoholics Anonymous or a similar type of self-help group. Like all addictions, alcohol use disorder is linked to a complex combination of biological, social, and psychological factors. Research highlights a genetic component to the disorder, as about half of one’s predisposition to alcoholism can be attributed to genetic makeup. People may turn to alcohol as a way to cope with trauma or other, often unrecognized psychological disorders.

Reducing the burden from harmful use of alcohol

Several evidence-based treatment approaches are available for AUD. One size does not fit all and a treatment approach that may work for one person may not work for another. Treatment can be outpatient and/or inpatient and be provided by specialty programs, therapists, and health care providers.

• Alcohol use disorder includes a level of drinking that’s sometimes called alcoholism.
• For example, mental and emotional stress can contribute to alcoholism.
• However, drinking a moderate amount of alcohol may reduce the risk of death from heart and blood vessel (cardiovascular) disorders.
• Most people know about the short-term effects of drinking alcohol, such as its effects on mood, concentration, judgment, and coordination.