Get the Facts on Alcohol Use

Drugs and Alcohol


A Widespread Problem
For most people, alcohol is a pleasant accompaniment to social activities. Moderate alcohol use––up to two drinks per day for men and one drink per day for women and older people (A standard drink is one 12–ounce bottle of beer or wine cooler, one 5–ounce glass of wine, or 1.5 ounces of 80–proof distilled spirits) –– is not harmful for most adults. Nonetheless, a substantial number of people have serious trouble with their drinking. Currently, nearly 14 million Americans––1 in every 13 adults––abuse alcohol or are alcoholic. Several million more adults engage in risky drinking patterns that could lead to alcohol problems. In addition, approximately 53 percent of men and women in the United States report that one or more of their close relatives have a drinking problem.

The consequences of alcohol misuse are serious––in many cases, life–threatening. Heavy drinking can increase the risk for certain cancers, especially those of the liver, esophagus, throat, and larynx (voice box). It can also cause liver cirrhosis, immune system problems, brain damage, and harm to the fetus during pregnancy. In addition, drinking increases the risk of death from automobile crashes, recreational accidents, and on–the–job accidents and also increases the likelihood of homicide and suicide. In purely economic terms, alcohol–use problems cost society approximately $100 billion per year. In human terms, the costs are incalculable.

What Is Alcoholism?
Alcoholism, which is also known as ”alcohol dependence syndrome,” is a disease that is characterized by the following elements:



• Tolerance: The need for increasing amounts of alcohol in order to get ”high.”


What Is Alcohol Abuse?

Alcohol abuse differs from alcoholism in that it does not include an extremely strong craving for alcohol, loss of control, or physical dependence. In addition, alcohol abuse is less likely than alcoholism to include tolerance (the need for increasing amounts of alcohol to get ”high”). Alcohol abuse is defined as a pattern of drinking that is accompanied by one or more of the following situations within a 12–month period:

• Recurring alcohol–related legal problems, such as being arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol or for physically hurting someone while drunk;


Contact an EAP Counselor for information about how to recognize alcohol and other drug abuse in the workplace, handle substance abuse situations, and document when substance abuse is suspected.

Portland: 503–639–3009
Salem: 503–588–0777
Toll Free: 1–800–433–2320

*Information obtained from the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism