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Alcohol addiction or alcoholism are commonly used terms for a medical condition known as alcohol use disorder (AUD). It is defined as a chronic dependence on alcohol and the inability to manage drinking habits.
According to a 2023 National Institute of Health (NIH) survey, 79.1% of all Americans over the age of 12 reported drinking alcohol at some point in their lifetime. More importantly, 16.3 million adults aged 18 years and older reported heavy alcohol use in the month before the survey.
In Los Angeles County, alcohol is the second most common substance of abuse (27%) after methamphetamines (30%).
Statistics like these provide rare insights into the true scope of alcohol addiction and its impact on the American body politic.
At Studio City Recovery, we use such data-driven insights to shape our approach to alcohol addiction treatments for the best possible outcomes for individuals and communities.
Understanding Addiction by Numbers
Each person’s experience with alcohol addiction is unique and shaped by numerous factors like genetic predisposition, personal history, and social environment.
While all of these factors are highly relevant at the level of the individual, the problem of alcohol dependence at the macro level can only be understood through statistical facts.
With that in mind, here are five major alcohol addiction statistics for the US, with particular reference to LA County and California.
1. Prevalence of AUD in the US
According to the latest available data, 28.9 million Americans aged 12 and older suffered from AUD in 2022. That constitutes 10.2% of people in this age group.
The figure includes 16.8 million males and 12 million females.
For reference, the US ranks 35th among 189 nations in alcohol consumption per capita, at 8.93 liters of pure alcohol per person each year.
2. Binge Drinking Rates in Los Angeles
Binge drinking refers to a pattern of alcohol consumption that brings the blood alcohol concentration (BAC) to 0.08% or higher.
16.6% of California adults over 18 binge drink at least once per month. The numbers are significantly higher in LA County, with 22.1% of adults reporting binge drinking.
The percentages are highest among Latinx adults, at 25.4%.
3. Alcohol-Related Hospital Admissions in California
In 2021, the latest year we have data for, there were 175,801 alcohol-related hospitalizations in California involving adults aged 18 years and older.
The same year saw 236,296 emergency room visits for alcohol-related reasons.
It’s worth noting here that these figures are based on medical conditions that are directly attributable to alcohol use and do not include indirect alcohol-related harms.
4. High Relapse Rates in Alcohol Recovery
Studies have shown that two-thirds of individuals treated for AUD relapse within the first six months, on average. Long-term relapse rates, however, can vary widely, from a low of 20% to as high as 80%.
Relapse rates related to AUD depend on a variety of factors, including addiction severity, length of addiction, and how soon the affected person seeks professional help.
5. Economic Cost of Alcohol Addiction in the US
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), alcohol addiction cost the US economy $249 billion in 2010. While that is the most recent data available, it’s safe to assume that those costs have multiplied manifold in the years since.
While some of that cost goes directly to alcohol addiction-related healthcare spending, there are also indirect costs in terms of lost productivity, criminal justice spending, property damage, and social harm.
The Big Picture of Alcohol Addiction and Recovery
Understanding the full scope and extent of alcohol addiction is key to mitigating its impact at the collective level.
At Studio City Recovery, we provide customized alcohol treatment plans in a safe, supportive, and compassionate environment. Our holistic approach takes into account not only the physical and mental impacts of addiction but also its emotional and spiritual implications.
Contact Studio City Recovery to learn more about our alcohol addiction treatment programs.
Take control of your recovery journey today!
