The World Health Organization defines alcohol abuse or alcoholism as the consumption of alcohol by an individual who either exceeds the limits accepted by the culture or injures health or social relationships.1 In 2002, alcohol abuse was estimated to cause approximately 2.3 million premature deaths globally. Current statistics indicate that in the United States alone, more than 18 million people who abuse alcohol, which is equivalent to 10% of the adult population. This disease contributes to more than 50% of automobile and industrial fatalities, as well as child and domestic abuse. The total economic yearly costs exceed more than dollar136 billion in healthcare, accidents, lost productivity, and violence
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