About 1 in 7 American adults are problemed drinkers, according to data published in JAMA Psychiatry.
The new study examined the prevalence of drinking behaviors based on the new definition of alcohol use disorders. The new definition says that problemed drinkers exhibit two of the 11 characteristics on the new Diagnostic and Statistic Manual of Alcohol Disorders. You can see the full list of 11 characteristics by clicking here, but some behaviors that made the list include:
- A craving or “strong desire” to drink alcohol.
- There is a persistent desire or unsuccessful efforts to cut down or control alcohol use.
- Continued alcohol use despite having persistent or recurrent social or interpersonal problems caused or exacerbated by the effects of alcohol.
- Alcohol is often taken in larger amounts or over a longer period than was intended.
- Recurrent alcohol use resulting in a failure to fulfill major role obligations at work, school, or home.
The study looked at the past and current drinking habits of of more than 36,000 adults to capture a picture of the drinking landscape in America. The findings uncovered that about 1 in 3 people have been a problemed drinker at some point in their life, and about 1 in 7 currently fit the bill for an alcohol disorder.
Additionally, the study uncovered that men were more likely to suffer from alcohol issues than women, and about 7% of people aged 18-29 showed symptoms of having a severe drinking problem. The authors said the study highlights the importance of educating the public about the dangers of hazards drinking and the treatment options available to them.
“Most importantly, this study highlighted the urgency of educating the public and policy makers about alcohol use disorder and its treatments, destigmatizing the disorder, and encouraging among those who cannot reduce their alcohol consumption on their own, despite substantial harm to themselves and others, to seek treatment,” the authors concluded.
Dr. Silverman comments
It’s no big surprise that so many Americans are impacted by alcohol. Ads featuring alcohol are everywhere, like on television, in music and in sports arenas (Miller Park, Busch Stadium, Coors Field, Jack and Coke Ballpark – Ok, I made the last one up).
We as a society are glorifying the drinking and partying scene, just look at some of the shows on TV aimed at younger audiences – The Real World, Jersey Shore, The Bad Girls Club. Or how about we look at some popular music?
“Cheers to the freakin’ weekend
I drink to that, yeah yeah
Oh let the Jameson sink in
I drink to that, yeah yeah”
–Rihanna.
Shots shots shots shots shots shots
Shots shots shots shots shots
Shots shots shots shots shots
Everybody
–LMFAO.
Drinking and getting blacked out has become celebrated in society, especially on college campuses. Until we stop celebrating these behaviors, we can’t expect people to make positive lifestyle choices.
Related source: TIME