There is no typical person with alcoholism. The disease afflicts people of all social and economic levels. The cost to the nation is estimated at 49.4 billion a year. The human loss is incalculable. It is the leading single cause of death among 15-24 year olds.
Alcoholics have a considerable higher rate of accidental death than the general population.
Treatment for alcoholics and their families is widely available today in all parts of the country. Prevention efforts focusing on education, early detection, research and community tr eatment facilities are the greatest forces operating today for the control and reduction of alcoholism. Last modified on Thu Oct 5 1995.