Discussions about substance use in America tend to focus on opioid overdoses and the rise of meth. But excessive alcohol consumption is also deadly and devastating, and its impact is often overlooked.

In honor of Alcohol Awareness Month, here are five important things to know about alcohol.

Alcohol issues are more common than you might think.

Over 15 million Americans have an alcohol use disorder. And according to the National Institutes of Health, “in 2018, 26.45 percent of people ages 18 or older reported that they engaged in binge drinking in the past month.”

Alcohol kills more Americans than any other substance.

About 88,000 people die each year from alcohol-related causes. (For reference, 67,367 people died from drug overdoses in 2018.) In fact, alcohol is the 3rd leading preventable cause of death in the United States. In 2014, 31% of overall driving fatalities were caused by alcohol.

There are short-term and long-term health risks to excessive alcohol consumption.

Short-term risks include:

• Injuries like motor vehicle crashes
• Violence, including homicide, suicide, and sexual assault
• Alcohol poisoning
• Risky sexual behavior
• Miscarriage or stillbirth

Long term risks include:

• High blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, liver disease
• Cancer of the breast, mouth, throat, esophagus, liver, and colon
• Learning and memory problems, including dementia and poor school performance
• Mental health problems, including depression and anxiety
• Social problems, including lost productivity, family problems, and unemployment
• Alcohol dependence, or alcoholism

Quitting “cold turkey” can be deadly.

No one with an alcohol use disorder should ever be instructed to stop drinking without medical supervision. Mild to moderate symptoms of alcohol withdrawal can include things like headaches, nausea, vomiting, sweating, and tremors. More severe symptoms can include hallucinations, seizures, and delirium tremens, which can be fatal.

There are effective treatments and supports available for people with alcohol use disorders.

Just like any other substance use disorder, alcohol addiction should be treated with an individualized, science-based treatment plan. Care should always begin in the doctor’s office, taking a patient’s needs and preferences into account. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, medications, and support groups are all research-backed methods. Learn more about effective treatment here.