Gender Most alcoholics are men, but the incidence of alcoholism in women has been increasing over the past 30 years. Studies indicate that about 7% of men and 2.5% of women abuse alcohol. However, studies suggest that women are more vulnerable than m
Alcoholism Risk Factors About 90% of adults in the U.S. drink alcohol. Every day, more than 700,000 Americans are being treated for alcoholism. In addition, up to half of American men have problems that are caused by alcohol. Categories of Alcoholic
Definition of Alcohol Use and Abuse In addition to alcohol dependence, experts are now defining alcohol use by levels of harm that it may be causing. This information is useful to determine possible interventions at earlier stages. The following cate
Alcoholism Background Alcoholism is a chronic, progressive, and often fatal disease. It is a primary disorder and not a symptom of other diseases or emotional problems. The chemistry of alcohol allows it to affect nearly every type of cell in the bod
Review Date: 12/28/2007 Reviewed By: Harvey Simon, MD, Editor-in-Chief, Associate Professor of Medicine, Harvard Medical School; Physician, Massachusetts General Hospital. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc. A.D.A.
Brain Chemical Imbalances after Long-Term Alcohol Use Alcohol has widespread effects on the brain and can affect neurons (nerve cells), brain chemistry, and blood flow within the frontal lobes of the brain. Researchers are particularly interested in
Causes People have been drinking alcohol for about 15,000 years. Drinking steadily and consistently over time can produce dependence and cause withdrawal symptoms during periods of abstinence. This physical dependence, however, is not the sole cause
In Florida, Addicts Find an Oasis of Sobriety James Estrin/The New York Times Richard Joslin, left, and John Suto are recovering substance abusers who both own several halfway houses. Mr. Joslin is the owner of Lighthouse Cottages, pictured. DELRAY B
