Probability of Developing Alcohol Use Disorder

Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is one of the most prevalent mental health conditions in the US. SAMHSA estimates that 29.5 million Americans aged 12 and older (10.6%) met criteria for AUD in the past year. The lifetime prevalence of AUD is estimated at about 29%, meaning nearly 1 in 3 Americans will develop an AUD at some point.

AUD is characterized by an impaired ability to stop or control alcohol use despite adverse consequences. Men have higher rates (12.1%) than women (9.1%), and rates peak in the 18-25 age group. Risk factors include early age of first drink, family history of alcoholism, mental health disorders, peer pressure, and high stress.

Alcohol is a factor in approximately 178,000 deaths per year in the US (about 488 per day), making it the fourth leading preventable cause of death. Effective treatments include naltrexone, acamprosate, and disulfiram (medications), along with behavioral therapies such as cognitive behavioral therapy, motivational enhancement therapy, and mutual support groups. Only about 7.6% of people with AUD receive treatment in a given year.