The Facts
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.