Alcoho: A growing Problem

When we see people drinking alcohol on television, it's usually in a social setting and the alcohol is associated with good times and friends. Hey, that's marketing, why not? For many people, a drink or two in the proper setting with a designated driver can be a fun way to socialize, but the side of alcohol we do not see is the is the side associated with chronic alcohol abuse. According to an article in the American Family Physician, nearly one-third of adults in the United States drink enough to place them at risk for adverse consequences. To give you an idea, back in 2000 excessive alcohol use lead to 85,000 premature deaths. The problem is that only 13% of people with alcohol dependence receive addiction treatment and only 24% even seek help. If you think you have a problem or know someone with a problem, you should know there are effective treatments out there that can make a difference.