Alcohol abuse is a disorder characterized by a desire for alcohol and the continuation of drinking even when there are alcohol-related occupational, legal, health, and family problems. Alcohol abuse can progress to alcohol dependence or alcoholism. Alcoholism is a condition in which a person becomes physically dependent on the effects of alcohol and drinks to avoid withdrawal symptoms.

Several factors contribute to alcohol abuse and alcoholism, including:

• Genes
• Brain chemicals that may be different than those normally found in the brain
• Social pressure
• Emotional stress
• Pain
• Depression and other mental health problems
• Problem drinking behaviors learned from family and friends

It is estimated that nearly 17.6 million people in the United States abuse alcohol or are considered to be alcoholics. More men than women are alcohol dependent or have alcohol problems. Alcohol problems are highest among young adults, age 18 to 29, and lowest among adults age 65 and older.

Alcoholism can increase your risk of the following:

• Accidents and injury, including motor vehicle accidents and falls
• Violence, murder, and suicide
• Domestic violence
• Family dysfunction
• Failed relationships
• Lost jobs
• Problems with the law, including drunk driving
• Depression
• Drug interactions
• Certain cancers, especially cancer of the liver , esophagus , throat , larynx , and pancreas
• Pancreatitis
• Diabetes
• Hepatitis
• Gastrointestinal problems (eg, bleeding, diarrhea , hemorrhoids , ulcers , and inflammation of the esophagus)
• Nerve damage
• Sexual disorders, including impotence
• Reproductive problems
• Postoperative complications (eg, infections, bleeding, and delayed healing)
• Other addictions
• Neurological problems and brain damage (in long-term use)
• Liver damage, including cirrhosis
• Heart and circulatory problems
• High blood pressure
• Pneumonia and acute respiratory distress syndrome
• Osteoporosis
• Peripheral neuropathy
• Hormonal problems in both sexes
• Fetal alcohol syndrome (in the babies of women who drank during their pregnancy)
• Malnutrition
• Disorders of the immune system and increased risk of infection

Last Reviewed September 2011