Are certain groups of people more likely to develop alcohol problems than others?
Yes. Nearly 14 million people in the United States — 1 in every 13 adults — abuse alcohol or are alcoholic. However, more men than women are alcohol dependent or experience alcohol-related problems. In addition, rates of alcohol problems are highest among young adults ages 18-29 and lowest among adults 65 years and older. Among major U.S. ethnic groups, rates of alcoholism and alcohol-related problems vary.