Lots Of People Drink But Most Aren't Alcoholics

Many people might like to indulge in a drink once in a while. Yet recent findings published in the CDC's Preventing Chronic Disease show that those who drink excessively or binge drink on occassion are unlikely to become binge drinkers or alcoholics.

For the study, researchers examined the drinking trends in 138,100 adults who participated in the National Survey on Drug Use and Health in 2009, 2010 and 2011. Binge drinking was defined as having at least five drinks on one occasion for men and at least four drinks for women, and excessive drinking was defined as 15 drinks or more per week for men and eight drinks or more per week for women.

Findings revealed that 90 percent of participants were not dependent on alcohol. Furthermore, men between the ages of 18 and 24 with a household yearly income of at least $75,000 were the ones with the highest rate of binge drinking and excessive drinking who were also between the ages of 18 and 24. The remaining 10 percent of people who were dependent on alcohol, however, tended to be from households that made less than $25,000 per year.

Excessive drinking can increase the risk of alcohol-induced violence, alcohol-poisoning, car-crashing and various health issues.

"We need to look at a broader array of interventions that can address excessive drinking in those who are not alcoholics," Brewer said via WebMD.

If you or someone you know has an alcohol problem, don't wait. Get help now. Talk to your doctor.