U.S. Alcohol Abuse Up, Survey Shows

More U.S. adults have problems with alcohol than just a decade ago, a new survey finds. And nearly one-third have had problems at some time, the survey showed. Researchers from the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism did the survey during 2012 and 2013. They asked 36,000 adults about their drinking habits. “Alcohol use disorder” was defined as having at least 2 of 11 symptoms. They included drinking that causes problems at work, school or home, frequent hangovers and failed attempts to limit drinking. Depending on the number of symptoms, the disorder can be mild or severe. This is a new definition. It combines the disorders previously called alcohol abuse and dependence. Based on their survey answers, about 14% of adults were current or recent problem drinkers. About 30% had an alcohol problem at some point. Only 1 in 5 had sought help.