Prognosis of Alcoholism

Deaths from Alcoholism: 19,171 persons died of alcohol-induced causes in 1999 USA (NVSR Sep 2001)

Estimated mortality rate for Alcoholism from prevalence and deaths statistics:

• Deaths: 19,170 (USA annual deaths calculated from this data: 19,171 persons died of alcohol-induced causes in 1999 USA (NVSR Sep 2001))
• Incidence: 15,100,000 (USA prevalence calculated from this data: estimated 15.1 million people: 15.1 million alcohol-abusing or alcohol-dependent individuals and 4.6 million are women (NWHIC); nearly 14 million Americans (NIAAA)
• 0.13% (ratio of deaths to prevalence).

Complications: see complications of Alcoholism

Recurrence of Alcoholism discussion: Although alcoholism can be treated, a cure is not yet available. In other words, even if an alcoholic has been sober for a long time and has regained health, he or she remains susceptible to relapse and must continue to avoid all alcoholic beverages. “Cutting down” on drinking doesn’t work; cutting out alcohol is necessary for a successful recovery.

However, even individuals who are determined to stay sober may suffer one or several “slips,” or relapses, before achieving long-term sobriety. Relapses are very common and do not mean that a person has failed or cannot recover from alcoholism. Keep in mind, too, that every day that a recovering alcoholic has stayed sober prior to a relapse is extremely valuable time, both to the individual and to his or her family. If a relapse occurs, it is very important to try to stop drinking once again and to get whatever additional support you need to abstain from drinking. (Source: excerpt from Alcoholism Getting the Facts: NIAAA)

Research More About Alcoholism

• Introduction: Alcoholism
• Deaths: Alcoholism
• Symptoms: Alcoholism
• Complications: Alcoholism
• Causes: Alcoholism
• Treatments: Alcoholism

About prognosis:

The 'prognosis' of Alcoholism usually refers to the likely outcome of Alcoholism. The prognosis of Alcoholism may include the duration of Alcoholism, chances of complications of Alcoholism, probable outcomes, prospects for recovery, recovery period for Alcoholism, survival rates, death rates, and other outcome possibilities in the overall prognosis of Alcoholism. Naturally, such forecast issues are by their nature unpredictable.