BOSTON—Nationwide, nearly one in 13 people over the age of 12 has an alcohol-use disorder such as alcohol abuse or dependence. Millions more engage in risky drinking behaviors that jeopardize their health, relationships, productivity, and general well being. According to a newly updated report from Harvard Medical School, Alcohol Use and Abuse, even moderate drinking—a drink or two per day—is now considered to be “low-risk” drinking.
Alcohol affects brain-reward pathways involved in developing addiction. Because of this, drinking alcohol on a regular basis can potentially create problematic drinking patterns in anyone. Women and men of all ages and from every walk of life are vulnerable to alcohol-related problems, and their lives may be impaired in many different ways, some more visible than others.
Any amount of alcohol may be risky in certain people under certain circumstances. A person’s unique risk for developing a problem with alcohol depends on a range of factors including their genetic and ethnic background as well as influences from family, culture, and society. Age, gender, and medical history also affect how people react to alcohol. A new “Low-risk drinking guide” in this report features a series of questions to help people make an informed decision about how much—if any—alcohol is safe for them to drink, and whether they are at risk for problem drinking.
Also in this report:
- Screening tests to identify problem drinkers
- Alcohol use through the lifespan—from teens to the elderly
- Evidence-based therapies to support recovery
- Medications for alcohol-use disorders
- How to help a family member who may have a drinking problem
The Special Health Report on Alcohol Use and Abuse is available from Harvard Health Publications, the publishing division of Harvard Medical School, for $18. Purchase online at www.health.harvard.edu/alcohol2011 or by calling 877-649-9457 (toll-free).
Media: Contact Raquel Schott at Raquel_Schott@hms.harvard.edu for a complimentary copy of the Special Health Report, or to receive our press releases directly
