Arielle Cruz
Alcohol abuse, alcoholism, and alcohol use disorder (AUD) are serious issues that affect a significant portion of the US population. While the percentage of Americans who consume alcohol has fluctuated over the years, a recent Gallup poll from 2025 found that 63% of US adults aged 18 and older reported drinking alcohol, with higher rates among younger adults. A study published in JAMA Psychiatry in 2017 revealed that one in eight American adults, or 12.7% of the population, met the diagnostic criteria for alcohol use disorder, representing a 49% increase from the previous decade. This study also highlighted higher rates of alcoholism among specific demographics, including men, Native Americans, individuals below the poverty line, and residents of the Midwest. The consequences of excessive alcohol consumption are significant, with states like Texas, Alaska, and Arizona incurring billions of dollars in costs related to alcohol abuse and experiencing high numbers of alcohol-related deaths. Understanding the prevalence and impact of alcoholism in the US is crucial for developing effective prevention and treatment strategies.
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What You'll Learn
Alcohol use disorder criteria
According to a 2021 study, 12.7% of the US population, or one in eight adults, meets the diagnostic criteria for alcohol use disorder (AUD). AUD is characterised by a problematic pattern of alcohol use that leads to significant distress or problems functioning in areas such as relationships, work, school, or family. It is diagnosed when an individual meets widely used diagnostic criteria for alcohol abuse or dependence.
Alcohol abuse is characterised by exhibiting at least one of the following characteristics in the past year:
- Recurrent use of alcohol resulting in a failure to fulfil major role obligations at work, school, or home. For example, repeated absences or poor work performance related to alcohol use, alcohol-related absences, suspensions, or expulsions from school, or neglect of children or household.
- Drinking more alcohol or for longer than originally intended.
- Unsuccessfully trying to cut down or control alcohol use.
- Craving, or a strong desire or urge to use alcohol.
- Drinking that interferes with responsibilities at home, at work, or at school.
- Continuing to drink alcohol even when it causes problems with family and friends.
- Giving up important social, occupational, or recreational activities because of alcohol use.
- Repeatedly using alcohol in physically hazardous situations, such as driving a car or operating machinery while impaired.
- Developing a tolerance to alcohol, needing more to achieve the same effect.
Alcohol dependence is characterised by three or more of the following occurring at any time in the same 12-month period:
- A need for markedly increased amounts of alcohol to achieve intoxication or the desired effect, or a markedly diminished effect with continued use of the same amount of alcohol.
- The characteristic withdrawal syndrome for alcohol.
- Drinking to relieve or avoid withdrawal symptoms.
It is important to note that drinking, even small amounts daily and occasional intoxication, do not by themselves constitute a diagnosis of AUD. AUD is a common and often untreated disorder, with evidence-based treatments available, including behavioural treatments (therapy/counselling), medication, and mutual support programs. Recovery is unique to each individual, and support from family and friends is crucial.
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Alcoholism rates by gender
Alcoholism, or alcohol use disorder, is a serious issue in the United States, with around 12.7% of the population meeting the diagnostic criteria. While alcohol consumption varies only slightly by gender, with 66% of men and 61% of women reporting drinking alcohol, there are some notable differences in alcoholism rates.
According to a 2017 study, the rate of alcoholism was found to be higher among men, with 16.7% meeting the criteria for alcohol abuse or dependence. In comparison, the overall rate of alcoholism among American adults was 12.7%, indicating a higher prevalence among men.
Among adolescents and emerging adults, the gender gap in drinking has narrowed primarily due to a decline in alcohol consumption among males. However, among adults, alcohol use is increasing among women but not among men. This trend is particularly evident among older women. Between 2005 and 2014, past-month binge drinking among adults over 50 increased more for women (6% to 9%) than for men (20% to 22%). Similarly, the prevalence of past-year alcohol use disorder (AUD) increased more for women in this age group (1.3% to 2.4%) compared to men (5.0% to 5.1%).
The consequences of alcohol use also differ between genders. Recent studies suggest that females are more susceptible than males to alcohol-induced liver inflammation, cardiovascular disease, memory blackouts, hangovers, and certain cancers. Additionally, women are more likely to report harm related to aggression from an alcohol-consuming spouse, partner, or family member, while men are more likely to report harm due to a stranger's drinking.
While the gender gap in alcohol consumption has narrowed, it is important to address the higher rates of alcoholism and alcohol-related harms among men and the increasing trends of alcohol use and related consequences among women.
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Alcoholism rates by ethnicity
Alcoholism, or alcohol use disorder (AUD), affects 12.7% of the US population, with a 49% increase in the disorder in the first decade of the 2000s. This percentage varies across ethnicities, with some groups exhibiting higher rates of alcohol consumption and, consequently, higher rates of AUD.
Native Americans have the third-highest rate of alcohol consumption, with 65.48% of Native American males and 51.66% of females consuming alcohol. The Native American population also has the greatest heavy drinking rate at 12.1%, with 29.6% engaging in binge drinking. This is reflected in the high rate of AUD in this group, with 16.6% meeting the criteria for alcoholism, according to a 2017 study.
For Latinos, alcohol consumption is the second highest, with 69.99% of males and 49.52% of females consuming alcohol. This is followed by a heavy drinking rate of 6.1% and a binge drinking rate of 25.6%. The rate of AUD in this group is not as high as that of Native Americans, but it is still significant.
Black Americans have the fourth-highest rate of alcohol consumption, with 62.62% of males and 45.92% of females consuming alcohol. Their heavy drinking rate is 4.7%, and their binge drinking rate is 21.4%. While the rate of AUD in this group is not specified, a smaller set of studies indicates that Blacks are less likely than non-Hispanic whites to use alcohol in their youth, with age increasing the rate of alcohol use relative to non-Hispanic whites.
Asian Americans have the lowest rates of alcohol consumption, with only 61.51% of males and 36.11% of females consuming alcohol. Their heavy drinking rate is 2.7%, and their binge drinking rate is the lowest at 2.7%. Asians are also the least likely to engage in drinking behavior, according to a 2015 study.
Non-Hispanic whites have the highest rates of alcohol consumption, with 74.27% of males and 65.10% of females consuming alcohol. While their heavy drinking rate is second highest at 8.3%, their binge drinking rate is 25.9%. This group also has the lowest probability of being non-drinkers across all age groups.
It is important to note that these rates of alcohol consumption and AUD vary across different sources and may change over time. The impact of gender and age on alcohol consumption and AUD should also be considered, as they intersect with ethnic demographics to create varying trends and probabilities.
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Alcoholism rates by age
Alcoholism, or Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD), is a serious issue in the United States, affecting people of all ages. According to the 2023 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), 10.2% of people aged 12 and older (approximately 28.9 million individuals) suffered from AUD in the past year. This problem is not limited to adults, with 2.9% of youth aged 12 to 17 (around 757,000 individuals) also struggling with AUD.
When examining alcoholism rates by age, several trends emerge. Firstly, alcohol consumption and AUD tend to increase with age, particularly during young adulthood. In 2023, the highest rate of current alcohol drinkers was among those aged 26 to 29, at 61%. This age group also had the highest rates of binge drinking, which is defined as consuming five or more drinks for men and four or more drinks for women on a single occasion. Binge drinking is most prevalent among adults in their 20s and is more common among Hispanics and Whites compared to other ethnicities.
The legal drinking age in the United States is 21, but alcohol use among younger individuals remains a concern. In 2023, 31.1% of those aged 18 to 20 were current alcohol drinkers, and 2.9% of youth aged 12 to 17 reported heavy alcohol use in the past month. Alarmingly, alcohol-related deaths among minors are also a significant issue, with an estimated 4,700 deaths per year attributed to teen alcohol use, exceeding the number of deaths from all illegal drugs combined.
Among adults, the rate of heavy alcohol use increases. In 2023, 6.3% of adults aged 18 and older (approximately 16.3 million people) reported heavy alcohol use in the past month. This rate is even higher when including those aged 12 and older, with 5.8% (16.4 million people) engaging in heavy alcohol use. Men are more likely than women to engage in heavy drinking, with 7.1% of males aged 12 and older reporting heavy alcohol use compared to 4.5% of females in the same age group.
Alcoholism and excessive alcohol use have severe consequences, including increased risks of sexual assault, unprotected sex, and sexually transmitted diseases. They also contribute to a significant economic burden, with drunk driving costing the United States over $199 billion annually. Furthermore, excessive alcohol use leads to numerous health issues, including an increased risk of certain cancers in men and fertility problems in women.
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Alcoholism's financial impact
Alcoholism, or alcohol use disorder (AUD), affects a significant proportion of the US population, with one study suggesting that one in eight American adults, or 12.7% of the population, meet the diagnostic criteria for the disorder. The financial implications of alcoholism are far-reaching, impacting individuals, families, and society as a whole.
On an individual level, alcoholism can lead to poor spending habits and financial difficulties. Money that could be used for basic needs such as housing, food, transportation, or medical care is instead spent on alcohol and related expenses. This is particularly true for lower-income populations, who proportionately spend more on alcohol, taking away from vital spending on essential goods and services. The impact of this is twofold: not only does it affect the individual's ability to meet their basic needs, but it can also drive down earnings through poor job performance and attendance.
The financial burden of alcoholism extends beyond the individual to their families, who may face depleted savings and increased out-of-pocket medical expenses due to alcohol-related health issues. Legal troubles stemming from alcoholism can also bring heavy penalties and lawyer fees, further straining personal finances. In some cases, the financial toll of alcoholism can lead to bankruptcy, homelessness, and unemployment if adequate support is not provided.
Alcoholism also has significant economic implications for society at large. The widespread treatment of alcohol-induced health conditions and long-term complications burdens the healthcare system and drains public budgets. In Minnesota, for example, excessive drinking cost residents a total of $7.85 billion in 2019, with lost productivity, healthcare costs, and criminal justice expenses accounting for a significant portion of this figure. Binge drinking alone contributed to 73% of the financial costs to society in Minnesota, amounting to $5.7 billion.
The impact of alcoholism on workplace productivity cannot be overstated. Absenteeism and poor decision-making associated with drinking problems result in reduced productivity, affecting businesses and the economy. The social costs of alcoholism, including crime and motor vehicle crashes, further add to the financial burden on society.
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Frequently asked questions
According to a 2017 study, 12.7% of the US population meets the diagnostic criteria for alcohol use disorder, or alcoholism. This rate is higher among men (16.7%), Native Americans (16.6%), people below the poverty threshold (14.3%), and people living in the Midwest (14.8%).
In 2025, 63% of US adults aged 18 and older reported drinking alcohol in the past two years, while 36% described themselves as "total abstainers". This drinking rate increases to 65% when narrowed to adults of legal drinking age (21 and older).
In 2018, 5.1% of adults engaged in heavy drinking in the past year, 15.5% engaged in moderate drinking, 45.7% engaged in light drinking, and 33.7% did not consume alcohol.
According to the National Institutes of Health, an individual must exhibit at least one of the following characteristics in the past year to be diagnosed with alcohol abuse:
- Recurrent use of alcohol resulting in a failure to fulfill major role obligations at work, school, or home.
- Repeated absences or poor work performance related to alcohol use.
- Alcohol-related absences, suspensions, or expulsions from school.
- Neglect of children or household due to alcohol use.
