Alcoholism afflicts individuals of all social groups and age levels, although young adults have the greatest risk for addiction to alcohol. According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, more than 51 percent of Americans-more than 125 million people over 12 years of age-reported being current drinkers. An estimated 1.3 million people receive treatment for the use of alcohol, and another 1.4 million receive treatment for using both alcohol and illegal drugs, each year while roughly 19.3 million others who needed treatment did not receive it. This title examines the history of alcohol and alcoholism, providing detailed information about alcohol abuse and dependence. It explains the process by which alcohol dependence emerges, contributing factors, how to recognize alcohol dependence, what treatments are available, and the health impact if it is left untreated. Topics covered include the environmental and genetic factors for alcoholism, psychiatric illnesses associated with it, and the various social issues connected to alcohol use, ranging from lost workdays to domestic violence. Updated to present the most recent statistics and research, this comprehensive encyclopedia presents accurate information on all aspects of alcohol use and abuse. Topics include: Adolescents and drinking; Alcohol and the elderly; Alcohol-related child neglect and abuse; Alcohol-use disorders; Driving while intoxicated; Effects of alcohol and alcohol use in men and women; Emergency treatment; Families and alcohol; Pregnancy and alcohol; Psychiatric disorders; Smoking and alcohol; and Underage drinking.