Alcohol addiction is a real problem that requires professional intervention. It can be scary to learn that you or a loved one has a life-threatening condition and finding help can seem daunting.

Here are some facts you need to know about alcohol abuse.

15 Fast Facts About Alcohol Abuse

• Every year, about 5,000 people in the U.S. under the age of 21 die from alcohol-related incidents, including automobile accidents, homicides, suicides, and alcohol poisoning.
• Men are more likely than women to drink excessive amounts of alcohol and they are twice as likely to be involved in fatal drunk driving incidents.
• As many as 70% of 18-year-olds admit to having consumed an alcoholic beverage at least once.
• Roughly 17% of men and 8% of women will become dependent on alcohol in their lifetime.
• There are approximately 80,000 deaths related to alcohol abuse each year. This makes alcohol the third highest cause of death in the United States.
• In 2014, 9,967 people died as a result of drunk driving, equaling 31% of all driving fatalities.
• Alcohol is more likely to be abused than any other drug.
• As many as 80% of domestic violence incidents involve alcohol use.
• Only one out of every 35 addicts will seek treatment for their addiction to alcohol.
• Around 28% of college dropouts leave school because of alcohol abuse.
• The U.S. economy loses $600 billion annually due to substance abuse.
• More than 10% of children in the United States live with a parent who suffers from addiction to alcohol.
• Approximately 20% of all college students meet the criteria for alcohol use disorder (AUD).
• One-fourth of college students suffer academic consequences from consuming alcohol, including missing class, doing poorly on exams and assignments, and achieving lower grades.
• Alcohol abuse often leads to serious long-term health issues such as cardiovascular disease, cancer, depression, dementia, liver disease, and more.

If you or a loved one is suffering from addiction to alcohol, please know that help is available. Alcohol detox centers have helped many people overcome addiction and get the support they need and deserve.