title: Epidemiologic studies of alcohol-related disease in the 20th century.
abstract: During the 20th century alcohol and alcoholism have emerged as a problem with global health implications. In Westernized countries > or = 50% of adults can be classified as alcohol consumers. For most people, drinking is a safe, pleasurable experience with minimal health consequences. However, about 10% of alcohol consumers will at some time experience serious health problems related to their drinking habit. Persons at risk of drinking problems cannot be reliably identified in the population--a fertile area for additional research. At present, the World Health Organization estimates that > 15 million people are disabled as a result of alcohol use, making it the fourth leading cause of worldwide disability. The challenge for the 21st century is to reduce the impact of alcohol-related disease by measures including: * Identification of high risk individuals. * Social control. * More effective treatment modalities for people addicted to alcohol.
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, Medical College, Valhalla, New York 10595, USA.
authors.forename: A B
authors.initials: AB
authors.lastname: Lowenfels
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000428:Alcohol Drinking / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000266:history; D019973:Alcohol-Related Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000266:history* / Q000517:prevention & control; D016021:Epidemiologic Studies; D014943:Global Health; D049673:History, 20th Century; D006801:Humans; D012307:Risk Factors; D012926:Social Control, Formal