Over 13% of adults in the United States will experience alcohol abuse or dependence (also referred to as alcoholism). Each year more than 100,000 Americans die of alcohol-related causes.

People who are Genetic and biologic predisposed to this illness are at a risk of developing alcohol problems. High levels of stress and other untreated mental health problems like Depression, Anxiety and Bipolar disorder can lead people to drink alcohol. Social factors such as the influence of family, peers, and society can also contribute to alcoholism.

Symptoms and complications related to alcohol use depends how severe the illness is. A person spends more time and money on alcohol. It affects their family, social and work life. Many have legal problems. They start to use it as an "eye opener". They feel irritable and frustrated when some one tells them that they have any problems with alcohol. Their tolerance to alcohol increases and they may need more amount of alcohol to get the same effect. Continued long term use causes multiple medical problems.

Course varies with each individual. If a person with alcoholism doesn't seek treatment then they are at a higher risk of committing suicide and murder. They have financial difficulties. They have memory impairment. They have heart problems, liver problems, stomach problems and are predisposed to get cancers.

People who are actively drinking alcohol would need Detoxification in a controlled and supervised setting (like hospital) in which medications relieves symptoms. After detoxification many alcoholics benefit from longer-term rehabilitation programs, day treatment programs, or outpatient programs.

Medications are sometimes prescribed to prevent relapses like Naltrexone (Revia), Disulfuram (Antabuse) and Acamprosate (Campral) to help them remain sober.

Support groups like Alcohol Anonymous (AA) are also very helpful in helping them to maintain sobriety.