In the USA, The Epidemiologic Catchment Area (ECA) study, conducted in the 1980s by the National Institute of Health, found:
- 13.7% of adults in the USA met current or lifetime criteria for alcohol abuse or dependence (approx 10.5 million Americans)
- 6.1% of adults in the USA met criteria for drug abuse or dependence
- 43% of US adults have alcoholism in their families
- Alcohol-related deaths are third biggest killer in USA; over 100 000 annually
- Cost of alcoholism has been estimated to be $200 billion/annum
Binary Typology for Alcoholism
Research has consistently shown addiction tends to run in families, especially among males. The sons of alcoholics are more likely than others to become alcoholics themselves. If the sons are identical twins, both are at increased risk for alcoholism, even when raised apart (Goodwin, Crane, and Guze, 1973).
Type A Alcoholic: occurs in both men and women; problem drinking has a later onset; reasonable performance at school; conform to societal expectations; fewer social or legal problems; dual diagnosis more likely.
Type B Alcoholic: primarily men; heavy drinking with early onset, typically during teenage years; struggle with discipline; do badly at school; problems with the Law; strong family history of alcoholism.