My father, the youngest, has been sober for fourteen years. Alcoholism has been attributed to both environmental and social factors. There are many definitions of alcoholism. Alcoholism can be divided into two main theoretical definitions. It is defined as either a genetic disease or a socially learned behavioral problem.
Alcohol is the most used and abused drug in the United States.
It is estimated that over 175 million people consume alcohol on a regular basis. Between 10-13 million of these regular drinkers are alcoholics. Many others are problem drinkers heading toward addiction. Even when alcoholics are actively drinking or abstaining they are still considered to be alcoholics. Alcoholism does run along family lines.