Alcohol Abuse Statistics in the United States: Demographic and Treatment Data
Introduction:
Alcohol abuse is a significant public health issue in the United States, with millions of Americans struggling with alcohol addiction every year. In this article, we’ll examine the latest alcohol abuse statistics, including demographic and treatment data, as well as state-specific information. We’ll also answer some frequently asked questions about alcohol abuse.
Demographic Statistics of Alcohol Use and Abuse:
According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), an estimated 5.8% of the US population (ages 12 and older) had an alcohol use disorder in 2019. This represents approximately 14.5 million people. Of those, 9.9 million were men, and 4.6 million were women. Additionally, 401,000 adolescents (ages 12-17) had an alcohol use disorder in 2019.
Alcohol abuse is more prevalent among certain demographic groups. For example:
- Men have a higher rate of alcohol use disorder than women (7.7% vs. 3.8%).
- Young adults (ages 18-25) have a higher rate of alcohol use disorder than any other age group (14.5%).
- Adults who identify as mixed-race have the highest rate of alcohol use disorder among all racial/ethnic groups (11.7%).
Alcohol Abuse and Treatment Statistics in the US:
Despite the prevalence of alcohol abuse, only a small percentage of those struggling with alcohol addiction actually receive treatment. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), only 6.9% of adults with an alcohol use disorder received treatment in 2019.
In terms of the types of treatment available, the most common options include:
- Outpatient treatment (49.8% of those receiving treatment)
- Inpatient treatment (25.7%)
- Self-help groups (9.9%)
- Detoxification-only (8.3%)
- Other (6.3%)
State-Specific Alcohol Abuse Statistics:
Below are some state-specific alcohol abuse statistics for selected states:
| State | Rate of Alcohol Use Disorder | Percentage Receiving Treatment |
|---|---|---|
| Pennsylvania | 5.2% | 3.7% |
| Florida | 6.3% | 4.4% |
| Missouri | 5.7% | 6.2% |
| Maine | 6.0% | 3.3% |
| Maryland | 5.5% | 5.5% |
| Massachusetts | 6.1% | 3.6% |
| Michigan | 5.8% | 6.6% |
| Minnesota | 6.3% | 4.4% |
| Mississippi | 4.6% | 4.4% |
| Nevada | 6.5% | 5.7% |
| Montana | 6.3% | 3.9% |
| Nebraska | 5.8% | 6.1% |
| Kentucky | 5.7% | 5.5% |
| Vermont | 6.4% | 3.6% |
| Utah | 4.5% | 6.0% |
| Texas | 5.6% | 4.6% |
| Tennessee | 5.7% | 4.2% |
| Oregon | 5.9% | 5.7% |
| Louisiana | 4.9% | 3.8% |
| Indiana | 5.7% | 5.1% |
| Kansas | 5.8% | 5.2% |
| California | 5.0% | 6.9% |
| Wyoming | 5.9% | 4.0% |
| Wisconsin | 5.5% | 5.7% |
FAQ:
Q: What is an alcohol use disorder?
A: An alcohol use disorder is a medical condition characterized by compulsive alcohol use, despite its negative consequences. It can range from mild to severe and can interfere with many areas of a person’s life.
Q: How is an alcohol use disorder diagnosed?
A: A doctor or mental health professional will typically use a set of criteria outlined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) to diagnose an alcohol use disorder.
