According to the report in the July issue of the Archives of General Psychiatry, among those with drinking problems, 17.8 percent say they have alcohol abuse problems, and 12.5 percent are alcohol-dependent.
Most of the alcoholics first received the treatment at about 30 years of age or approximately eight years after they developed dependence on drinking. However, only 24 percent of alcoholics reported receiving any treatment at all.
Lead researcher Bridget F. Gran said: "At some time in a person's life, 30 percent of the population in the United States will develop alcohol dependence or alcohol abuse."
The report also added that about 42 percent of men and about 19 percent of women reported a history of either alcohol abuse or alcoholism during their lives. The problem is more common among whites and Native Americans than other ethnic groups to report drinking problems.
Persons who suffer from alcohol abuse fail to fulfill major obligations at work, school or home, and faces social or legal problems and drinking in hazardous situations. Such people also face interpersonal problems, financial problems and problems in daily living due to excessive drinking.
