special subjects
Alcohol Use
Alcohol related disorders
Most people do not consume enough alcohol or consume it often enough to impair their health or interfere with their activities. However, approximately 14% of adults in the United States have a problem with alcohol use (alcohol use disorder, also known as alcoholism). Men are 2 to 4 times more likely than women to develop alcohol use disorder. Alcohol and other Substance Use Disorders involve people continuing to use a substance even though they have problems caused by its use. Drinking very large amounts of alcohol can quickly cause death. Alcohol use can lead to many destructive behaviors and effects: Drunk driving Physical injury from falls, fights, or motor vehicle accidents Violence, including domestic violence Drunkenness may disrupt family and social relationships. The divorce rate is 50% higher when one spouse is a heavy drinker. Extreme absenteeism from work can lead to unemployment. 