It is important to study the different alcoholism statistics available if you or someone you know is struggling with alcohol use. Numbers are a powerful indicator of just how dangerous – and even lethal, alcohol can be. The results of alcohol related accidents are devastating to families; not just for the person who took the drink, but to many who are related to the accident as a victim or family member.
Often when you think of alcoholism statistics, you tend to think of drunk driving accidents. But this is not the only way death and injuries occur. In the US, more than 100,000 deaths are a result of excess alcohol consumption. This includes drunk driving, but also cirrhosis of the liver, accidents such as falls, cancer and strokes.
In the UK it was recently reported by the Daily Telegraphs health researcher that: ‘more people die annually from alcohol-related causes in the UK than from breast cancer, cervical cancer and MRSA infection combined.’
The article went on to say that: ‘The deaths of around one in four young men and 10 per cent of young women in Europe are alcohol-related.’
When you consider the risks as well as the resulting poor health from drinking, it is a strong reason to actively seek help if you think there may be a problem.
The dangers of alcohol consumption can be identified from an early age. These statistics are particularly disturbing:
- Youths who drink alcohol are 50 times more likely to use cocaine than those who never drink alcohol, according to the National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse.
- In one survey by the Century Council, 65% of the youths stated they had received alcohol from a friend or family member.
- Alcohol kills 6 ½ time more youths than all other illicit drugs COMBINED, according to Reports from Mothers Against Drunk Driving.
These numbers are startling. As we continue to live in a high stress society, which in itself promotes drinking, as well as an environment that glorifies alcohol as a social status symbol. These alcoholism statistics can only continue to rise.
Groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous and MADD are working hard towards changing these figures.
The National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration gives the results that traffic crashes are the leading cause of death for people between the ages of 6-33. 45% of these deaths are alcohol related. The pain from losing a loved one does not end with the victim. The loss is experienced by parents, children, sisters, brothers, neighbors… there is no way to ease that pain.
With these alcoholism statistics in mind, please seek out help. It doesn’t take someone who is a hard-core alcoholic to suffer the consequences of alcohol. It only takes one time to be injured or cause death. It is said that our youth are the promise of our future. Let’s set an example for them to follow. There are so many resources that you can use for yourself or someone you love to help lower these numbers.
