Alcoholism Prevention Programs for Children

Hiram E. Fitzgerald

Alcohol dependence (commonly called alcoholism) is the most common substance use disorder in the United States. Epidemiological studies of drinking indicate that there are about 15 million men and 5 million women in the United States aged 18 and older who have an alcohol use disorder (AUD). About 24% of all men and 17% of all women will have an AUD sometime in their life courses (Zucker et al., 2000). Slightly more than half of all 14-year-olds in the United States report having consumed alcohol in situations other than during religious or family celebrations. Onset begins as early as 11 to 12 years of age. The economic impact of AUDs is estimated to be about $200 billion. This figure takes into account a wide variety of outcomes, including premature death, alcohol-related illnesses, fetal alcohol syndrome, crime/victimization, property damage, and lost workforce productivity. This entry describes the clinical features of AUD, ...

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