"Just the facts ..." Such was the recurring statement of Sgt. Joe Friday on the iconic U.S. television program "Dragnet," a phrase that actually has resonated in many other locations around the world. The truth is, the seeking of "just the facts" perhaps is never more important that when it comes to understanding alcoholism. This Alcoholism Fact Sheet has been prepared to assist you in coming to a better understanding of alcoholism.

Alcoholism Fact #1:

Alcohol and caffeine are the two most significantly abused substances in the all of the world today. The number of people that abuse one, another or both of these substances is staggering.

Alcoholism Fact #2:

The basic attitude that a person has towards alcohol and alcohol usage develops within an individuals first twenty years of living.

Alcoholism Fact #3:

In most case, the disease of alcoholism is divided into two general categories: abuse and dependence. An alcohol dependent person absolutely must consume alcohol. On the other hand, an abuser is not yet physically addicted to alcohol.

Alcoholism Fact #4:

Around fifteen to twenty percent of the worldwide population is considered problem drinkers.

Alcoholism Fact #5:

Nearly twenty percent of all teenagers in the majority of countries in the world are deemed to be problem drinkers. That means that these young people actually have ended up encountering some sort of negative event or situation arising out of their use of alcoholic beverages.

Alcoholism Fact #6:

The effects of alcohol start to appear within ten minutes of drinking. It is a fast acting substance - a fast acting drug. Alcohol will remain in an individual's bloodstream until it is broken down by the liver.

Alcoholism Fact #7

The various costs and expenses associated with alcoholism worldwide are hard to estimate. Some experts maintain that these costs may top $1 trillion worldwide.