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by: EdPhilips
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Some basic facts concerning alcoholism include: the disease afflicts nearly 14 million people nationwide, or nearly one in every 10 adults; it kills nearly 20,000 Americans each year, both directly and as a result of alcohol-related incidents and conditions.

Of those people diagnosed with psychiatric disorders, nearly one-third have a history of alcoholism and alcohol dependency. This disease is distressing in terms of its scope and its effects. Alcoholism has become a strain on our public health system and devastating for numerous families today

However, even these staggering numbers may be an actual understatement of the true damage inflicted by alcoholism. A new international study has found that the cancer risk associated with heavy alcohol consumption has long been under reported and may rival even the risks posed by smoking. The study, conducted by the France-based International Agency for Research on Cancer, was recently published in The Lancet Oncology journal.

Based on its results, researchers conclude that excessive drinking and alcohol dependency can significantly raise the risk of a host of cancers, including those of the breast, colon, esophagus, larynx, liver, and mouth. Alcohol consumption may also be associated with lung and pancreatic cancer, although the findings of the study were not entirely conclusive on those two forms.

Some controversy was sparked in the medical community as a result of the cancer study results as other current studies have supported the idea that moderate alcohol consumption may lower heart disease risks. Cancer researcher stress that their study shows only the effects of heavy, long term drinking associated with alcoholism. Some doctors still continue to recommend certain drinks, such as a glass of wine, only in moderation by non-alcoholic adults.

The number of alcohol related deaths is overwhelming. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that alcoholism results in more than 320,000 deaths per year in the industrialized world, with approximately 185,000 being men and 142,000 being women. Rates of alcoholism in the population of developing countries can be higher, with alcohol being responsible for more than 1.5 million deaths in men and 300,000 in women yearly.

In central and eastern Europe public health officials consider the problem of alcohol consumption particularly acute, where economic troubles and the affordability of highly-concentrated alcohols such as vodka have led to near-epidemic levels of alcoholism.

Some research has suggested that the increase in head and neck cancers in eastern European countries may be partially attributed to rising rates of alcoholism.

For those who believe they may be suffering from alcohol dependency, the 24-hour Alcohol Treatment Referral Hotline can be reached at 1-800-ALCOHOL. You can also contact your physician for a guide to local Alcoholics Anonymous meetings and other treatment options.

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Discover how to Stop Drinking Alcohol In 21 Days - Guaranteed by professional Ed Philips and find further guidance here to help you Stop Drinking Alcohol.

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