alcohol dependence statistics: 10 Shocking Facts in 2025

The Growing Global Impact of Alcohol Dependence

Alcohol dependence statistics reveal a concerning global health crisis affecting millions of lives. For those seeking quick facts:

• 10.2% of Americans aged 12+ had Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) in 2023
• 28.9 million people in the US struggle with AUD
• 209 million people worldwide (3.7% of adults) live with alcohol dependence
• Only 7-10% of those with AUD receive treatment
• 2.6 million deaths globally were attributed to alcohol in 2019
• In Australia, 1,742 alcohol-induced deaths occurred in 2022 (9.1% increase from 2021)
• $66.8 billion is the social cost of alcohol use in Australia (2017-18)

Alcohol dependence doesn’t discriminate. It affects people across all demographics, though rates vary significantly by age, gender, and ethnicity. The condition is characterised by an inability to control or stop alcohol use despite negative consequences—a chronic relapsing brain disorder that requires proper understanding and treatment.

The impact extends far beyond individual health. Families are disrupted, workplaces suffer productivity losses, and healthcare systems bear enormous costs. In Australia alone, alcohol-related harm costs our economy tens of billions of dollars annually.

I’m Rachel Acres, founder of The Freedom Room, and my understanding of alcohol dependence statistics comes not just from professional qualifications but from personal experience overcoming addiction and helping others do the same.

Alcohol Dependence Statistics at a Glance

When we look at the global picture of alcohol dependence, the numbers tell a sobering story. According to the World Health Organization, approximately 209 million people worldwide were living with alcohol dependence in 2019—that’s about 3.7% of all adults on our planet. This chronic condition claims roughly 2.6 million lives annually, making it one of the leading preventable causes of death across the globe.

In the United States, recent figures from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health show that 10.2% of Americans aged 12 and older had Alcohol Use Disorder in 2023. To put that in perspective, that’s 28.9 million people whose lives are significantly impacted by this condition.

Here in Australia, we’re facing similar challenges. The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare reports that 9.9% of Australian drinkers are dependent on alcohol. That’s hundreds of thousands of our fellow Australians whose health, relationships, and quality of life are compromised by alcohol dependence.

Perhaps the most troubling aspect of these alcohol dependence statistics is what we call the treatment gap. Both globally and here in Australia, only about 7-10% of people with alcohol dependence receive appropriate treatment. This means the vast majority of those affected aren’t getting the help they need, leading to continued suffering and preventable deaths.

Defining Alcohol Use Disorder & Dependence

To make sense of alcohol dependence statistics, we need to understand what we’re measuring. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) now uses the term Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) to describe what was previously categorised as alcohol abuse and alcohol dependence.

AUD is defined as a chronic relapsing brain disorder characterised by an impaired ability to stop or control alcohol use despite negative consequences. It’s not simply a matter of willpower or moral failing—it’s a recognised medical condition that affects brain function and behaviour.

The DSM-5 outlines 11 criteria for diagnosing AUD, including drinking more than intended, unsuccessful efforts to cut down, spending significant time obtaining or recovering from alcohol, and experiencing cravings. Physical dependence is marked by two key features: tolerance (needing more alcohol to achieve the same effect) and withdrawal (experiencing physical symptoms when alcohol consumption is reduced or stopped).

The severity of AUD is determined by the number of criteria met: mild (2-3), moderate (4-5), or severe (6 or more). Severe AUD closely aligns with what many people traditionally called alcoholism or alcohol dependence.

For a deeper dive into how these conditions are diagnosed, visit our page on Alcohol Use Disorder Criteria.

2023 Key Numbers Worldwide — alcohol dependence statistics

The latest global alcohol dependence statistics reveal the widespread impact of this condition:

In the United States, 28.9 million people ages 12 and older (10.2% of this age group) had Alcohol Use Disorder in 2023. Among youth ages 12 to 17, 757,000 young people (2.9% in this age group) struggled with AUD. There’s also a significant gender disparity, with 16.8 million males ages 12 and older (12.1%) versus 12.0 million females (8.3%) having AUD in 2023.

Globally, alcohol claimed 2.6 million lives in 2019, with 3.7% of the world’s adult population (209 million people) living with alcohol dependence.

Behind each of these numbers are real people—parents, children, partners, friends—whose lives are profoundly affected by alcohol dependence. The WHO reports that the European and African regions have the highest alcohol-attributable death rates (52.9 and 52.2 deaths per 100,000 population, respectively). However, this condition knows no boundaries, affecting communities across all geographical, cultural, and socioeconomic divides.

Scientific research from the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism continues to expand our understanding of alcohol’s effects and the prevalence of dependence, helping shape more effective approaches to prevention and treatment.

How Alcohol Dependence Varies by Demographic

Alcohol dependence statistics reveal fascinating—and sometimes alarming—patterns across different population groups. Understanding these variations helps us create more targeted support systems and identify who might need extra help.

Age plays a significant role in how alcohol dependency manifests. Among youth aged 12-17, about 2.9% experienced AUD in 2023, with young women showing higher rates (3.8%) than young men (2.0%). This gender reversal in adolescence is particularly noteworthy, as it shifts dramatically in adulthood.

Young adults (18-25) consistently show the highest rates of alcohol use disorder. This isn’t surprising when we consider the social environments many young adults steer—university culture, new independence, and peer pressure can all contribute to problematic drinking patterns that may become entrenched.

For middle-aged adults (26-64), the statistics reveal a substantial portion of those with alcohol dependence fall within the 45-64 age bracket. Many in this group have been struggling silently for years, often balancing dependence with careers and family responsibilities.

Our older Australians (65+) tend to show lower prevalence rates, but this comes with an important caveat—alcohol problems in this age group are frequently underdiagnosed. The combination of alcohol with medications and age-related health conditions creates unique risks that shouldn’t be overlooked.

When we look at gender differences, the traditional gap remains but is narrowing in concerning ways. About 12.1% of males aged 12 and older had AUD in 2023 (representing 16.8 million individuals), compared to 8.3% of females (12.0 million people). While men still show higher rates overall, women are catching up—and facing unique health consequences due to physiological differences in how their bodies process alcohol.

Racial and ethnic patterns also emerge in the data. In the US, adults identifying as multiracial show the highest prevalence (15.4%), while American Indian/Alaska Native populations face disproportionately high rates of alcohol-related problems. In Australia, our Indigenous communities face significantly higher rates of alcohol-related harm compared to non-Indigenous Australians, though interestingly, they’re also more likely to abstain completely.

Youth & High-Intensity Drinking — alcohol dependence statistics

Young people present unique concerns in the landscape of alcohol dependence statistics. Beyond the 2.9% AUD rate among teenagers, research shows that early drinking dramatically increases dependency risks. Those who begin drinking before age 15 are five times more likely to develop alcohol dependence compared to those who wait until 21 or older.

What’s particularly alarming is the rise of high-intensity drinking among youth. This isn’t just having a few too many—it’s consuming alcohol at levels twice or more above the binge threshold. The consequences are severe: young people engaging in drinking at twice the binge threshold are 70 times more likely to require emergency care. At three times the threshold, that risk skyrockets to 93 times higher.

In Australia, the picture is mixed. While abstinence among 14-17 year-olds has impressively increased from 39% to 73% between 2007 and 2019, those who do drink often engage in particularly risky patterns. Perhaps most concerning is that 47% of current under-18 drinkers obtained their last alcoholic drink from a parent, highlighting how family attitudes can unintentionally enable harmful drinking behaviours.

For deeper insights into high-intensity drinking and its serious consequences, this scientific research on high-intensity drinking provides valuable information.

Women vs Men: A Growing Gap

The gender landscape in alcohol dependence statistics is shifting in ways that should concern us all. While men still show higher overall rates of AUD (12.1% compared to 8.3% for women), women are catching up at an alarming pace.

Between 2016-2017 and 2020-2021, alcohol-related deaths among women increased by 35%—outpacing the 27% increase seen in men during the same period. This isn’t just a statistical curiosity; it reflects real suffering and preventable tragedy.

Women with alcohol use disorder face unique health vulnerabilities. Their bodies typically have less water content than men of similar weight, resulting in higher blood alcohol concentrations from the same amount of alcohol. This physiological difference contributes to women’s increased susceptibility to liver disease, heart damage, and breast cancer from alcohol consumption.

About 18% of women of childbearing age engage in binge drinking, raising serious concerns about potential fetal alcohol spectrum disorders. And in a striking reversal of adult patterns, female adolescents actually show higher rates of AUD (3.8%) than their male peers (2.0%).

Men continue to demonstrate concerning patterns as well. They’re twice as likely as women to binge drink and nearly twice as likely to be involved in fatal alcohol-related traffic accidents. Male drinking is also more frequently associated with aggression and violence.

These gender differences aren’t just biological—they’re influenced by complex social, cultural, and psychological factors. To better understand the underlying causes, our page on Alcohol Dependence Causes provides comprehensive insights that can help both individuals and families recognise and address problematic drinking patterns before they become entrenched.

Closer to Home: Australian & Queensland Figures

While global alcohol dependence statistics provide important context, understanding the situation in our own backyard offers valuable insights for our local community.

The numbers in Australia paint a concerning picture. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), 1,742 alcohol-induced deaths occurred in Australia in 2022—a troubling 9.1% increase from 2021 and the highest rate recorded in over a decade. This isn’t just a statistic; it represents real Australian lives cut short.

The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) highlights that 16.8% of Australians aged 14 and over drink at levels putting them at lifetime risk. Even more concerning, 9.9% of Australian drinkers have developed dependence on alcohol. There is some hope in the fact that 52% of Australians reported taking steps to reduce their drinking, suggesting growing awareness of alcohol’s dangers.

The National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) recommends no more than 10 standard drinks per week and no more than 4 on any single day to reduce harm. Yet many of us regularly exceed these guidelines, often without realising the risks we’re taking.

Economic and Health Toll in Australia

The economic burden of alcohol in Australia is staggering—$66.8 billion in social costs (2017-18 figures). This isn’t just about dollars; it represents countless hours of emergency care, lost productivity at work, traffic accidents, and the strain on our police and legal systems.

From a health perspective, alcohol’s impact is equally devastating. It contributes to approximately 4% of all cancer cases in Australia, including 5.8% of breast cancer diagnoses. For those drinking heavily (21+ standard drinks weekly), the risk of heart disease skyrockets, while about 30% of people consuming more than 4 drinks daily over the long term develop liver cirrhosis.

Our Indigenous communities face particularly disproportionate harm, with higher rates of alcohol-attributable hospitalisations and deaths compared to non-Indigenous Australians—a sobering reminder of ongoing health inequities.

For a deeper understanding of how alcohol affects our bodies over time, visit our page on Long-Term Effects of Alcohol.

Queensland Snapshot

Here in Queensland, where The Freedom Room supports the Strathpine community, we face our own challenges with alcohol. The Brisbane North Primary Health Network (BNPHN) health snapshot reveals approximately 17% of adults in our region engage in risky drinking—higher than many would expect.

Queensland has historically consumed more alcohol per capita than the national average. Among our young people, the statistics are particularly worrying: 44% of Queenslanders aged 12-24 reported drinking alcohol in the past year, with the average first full serve happening around 16.2 years of age.

Our roads feel the impact too, with alcohol being a significant factor in Queensland road fatalities each year. The strain on our healthcare system is substantial—alcohol-related conditions account for thousands of hospitalisations annually, contributing to longer wait times and stretched resources.

The picture looks different across our state. Rural and remote areas of Queensland often show higher rates of risky drinking than metropolitan centres, highlighting the need for custom approaches to reducing alcohol harm in different communities. What works in Brisbane might not be effective in Longreach or Mt Isa.

These aren’t just cold statistics—they represent our neighbours, colleagues, friends and family members. At The Freedom Room, we see the human faces behind these numbers every day, which is why we’re committed to providing compassionate, understanding support for those struggling with alcohol dependence in our Queensland community.

Health, Social, and Economic Consequences

When we talk about alcohol dependence statistics, we’re really discussing the ripple effects that extend far beyond the individual drinker. These numbers tell a story of widespread impact touching families, workplaces, healthcare systems, and entire communities.

Alcohol doesn’t discriminate in the harm it causes. The World Health Organization has identified alcohol as a contributing factor in more than 200 disease and injury conditions. This includes serious noncommunicable diseases like liver cirrhosis, various cancers, and heart problems that develop over years of heavy drinking. It’s also linked to injuries from violence and road crashes, often occurring in a single night of excess. Even communicable diseases like tuberculosis and HIV/AIDS show connections to alcohol use, as drinking weakens the immune system and can lead to risky behaviours. And we can’t overlook the significant link between alcohol and mental health disorders, particularly depression and anxiety.

The social toll is equally devastating. Families break apart under the strain of a loved one’s drinking. Over 10% of children in the U.S.—that’s 7.5 million young lives—are growing up with a parent who has alcohol use disorder. Domestic violence incidents frequently involve alcohol. Workplaces suffer through absenteeism and reduced productivity. For young people still in school, academic performance often plummets when drinking becomes a priority.

Alcohol-Related Mortality & Years of Life Lost

The mortality figures in alcohol dependence statistics are truly sobering. Each year, approximately 178,000 Americans lose their lives to excessive alcohol use. Globally, alcohol caused 2.6 million deaths in 2019 alone. Here in Australia, alcohol-related deaths are rising alarmingly—from 1,559 in 2021 to 1,742 in 2022.

What makes these deaths particularly tragic is how much life is left unlived. On average, each alcohol-related death cuts a life short by about 24 years. In the United States, this translates to roughly 4 million years of potential life lost annually—years that could have been filled with family milestones, career achievements, and cherished memories.

These deaths fall into two main categories. About two-thirds result from chronic conditions that develop over years of heavy drinking—alcoholic liver disease, heart problems, and various cancers. The remaining third come from acute causes—immediate consequences of intoxication like alcohol poisoning, car crashes, falls, drownings, and violence.

The impact on young people is especially heartbreaking. Alcohol claims approximately 4,700 young lives each year in the US—more than all illegal drugs combined. Each of these deaths represents a future cut short, potential unfulfilled.

For those interested in exploring the research behind these figures, I recommend this scientific research on excessive alcohol deaths.

Societal Costs & Workplace Impact

The economic burden revealed in alcohol dependence statistics is staggering. In the United States, excessive drinking cost the economy $249 billion in 2010—that’s roughly $807 for every man, woman, and child in the country. Closer to home, Australia shouldered a social cost of $66.8 billion from alcohol use in 2017-18.

About 72% of these costs stem from lost productivity in the workplace. When employees struggle with alcohol problems, businesses see increased absenteeism (about 13% of sick days are alcohol-related), workplace accidents, and productivity drops of at least 10%. Healthcare costs represent another massive portion of this economic burden, with emergency rooms and long-term care facilities treating countless alcohol-related conditions.

The roads become more dangerous too. In 2018, alcohol-impaired driving accounted for 29% of all traffic fatalities in the US. Here in Australia, alcohol continues to be a significant factor in road deaths. The economic cost of drunk driving in the US alone reaches approximately $50 billion annually—and no figure can capture the emotional devastation of lives lost in preventable crashes.

Perhaps most concerning is the generational impact. With 10.5% of U.S. children living with a parent who has alcohol use disorder, we’re seeing the seeds of future problems being sown. These children face higher risks of developing their own substance use problems later in life, alongside various psychological and developmental challenges that can follow them into adulthood.

For those wanting to learn more about raising awareness of these widespread impacts, our page on Alcohol Addiction Awareness offers valuable resources and information.

Treatment Gap and Evidence-Based Solutions

One of the most troubling alcohol dependence statistics is the treatment gap that exists worldwide. Despite the availability of effective treatments, only about 7-10% of people with alcohol dependence receive appropriate care. This means that more than 90% of those struggling with this condition are left without the support they need—a sobering reality that highlights the urgent need for better access to treatment services.

When someone does access treatment, several evidence-based approaches have shown remarkable effectiveness. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) helps individuals identify and change thought patterns that lead to harmful drinking behaviours. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) focuses on accepting uncontrollable experiences while committing to positive behaviour changes. Both these therapeutic approaches form cornerstones of our work at The Freedom Room, where we’ve seen how they help clients develop healthier coping mechanisms and address the underlying issues that contribute to problematic drinking.

Brief interventions—short, structured conversations with healthcare providers—can be surprisingly effective for those with mild to moderate alcohol problems. Research shows that even a 5-15 minute conversation with a GP can lead to significant reductions in alcohol consumption for many people.

For some, medication-assisted treatment provides valuable support. Several approved medications can help reduce cravings and maintain abstinence, especially when combined with counselling and behavioural therapies.

The power of community shouldn’t be underestimated either. Support groups like Alcoholics Anonymous provide ongoing recovery assistance through peer connection and shared experiences. Many of our clients find that combining professional treatment with peer support creates a robust foundation for lasting recovery.

Screening plays a crucial role in early intervention. When healthcare providers routinely screen for alcohol problems and follow up with appropriate interventions, we see significant reductions in alcohol-related harm. This approach helps identify problems before they become severe, making treatment more effective and less intensive.

Closing the Gap: Prevention Strategies

Preventing alcohol dependence before it develops is always preferable to treating it after it takes hold. Several evidence-based strategies have demonstrated effectiveness in reducing alcohol-related harm at both community and individual levels.

The World Health Organization’s SAFER initiative promotes cost-effective, high-impact strategies including strengthening restrictions on alcohol availability, advancing drink-driving countermeasures, facilitating access to screening and treatment, enforcing advertising restrictions, and raising alcohol prices through taxation. These policy-level interventions have been shown to significantly reduce alcohol-related harm across populations.

On an individual level, simple strategies can make a meaningful difference. Planning regular drink-free days helps prevent tolerance development. Setting personal limits on consumption before social events helps maintain control. Alternating alcoholic drinks with water or soft drinks slows consumption and reduces overall intake. These straightforward approaches can help people maintain a healthier relationship with alcohol before problems develop.

School-based education programs work best when they focus on developing practical refusal skills and correcting misperceptions about drinking norms among peers. However, it’s worth noting that research consistently shows alcohol tax increases are 2-4 times more effective at reducing alcohol-related deaths than media campaigns or school programs—a reminder that environmental factors play a significant role in shaping drinking behaviours.

Workplace initiatives that combine clear policies, employee education, and access to confidential assistance programs can effectively prevent alcohol problems from developing or escalating. These programs recognise the significant impact alcohol problems have on workplace productivity and safety while providing supportive pathways to help.

For more comprehensive information on treatment approaches, visit our page on Alcohol Use Disorder Treatment.

Seeking Help: alcohol dependence statistics and recovery

Despite the concerning alcohol dependence statistics, recovery is absolutely possible—and happens every day. Many resources are available for those ready to seek help, and the outcomes offer genuine hope.

Professional treatment services like The Freedom Room offer personalised one-on-one sessions, workshops, and group recovery meetings custom to individual needs. We understand that recovery isn’t one-size-fits-all, which is why we create custom approaches for each client.

Australia’s National Alcohol and Other Drug Hotline (1800 250 015) provides free, confidential advice about treatment options. Support groups like AA offer valuable peer connections with others who truly understand the challenges of recovery. For family members affected by someone else’s drinking, groups like Al-Anon provide much-needed support and guidance.

The recovery statistics tell an encouraging story: 73.1% of adults who report having had a substance use problem say they are currently in recovery. About 30% of those with less severe drinking problems reduce or abstain from alcohol without professional help. With appropriate support and treatment, many people achieve long-term sobriety or significant reductions in harmful drinking.

At The Freedom Room, our team brings a unique perspective to treatment because we’re in recovery ourselves. This lived experience allows us to offer authentic empathy and understanding that resonates deeply with our clients. We’ve walked the path and know both its challenges and its rewards—knowledge that informs everything we do.

Recovery isn’t just about stopping drinking; it’s about building a fulfilling life where alcohol is no longer needed. With the right support, tools, and community, this change is within reach for anyone ready to begin the journey.

Frequently Asked Questions about Alcohol Dependence Statistics

What qualifies as heavy or binge drinking?

Understanding what constitutes problematic drinking is crucial when interpreting alcohol dependence statistics. Different health organisations provide slightly different definitions, but there’s general consensus on the thresholds.

In the United States, the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) defines binge drinking as consuming enough alcohol to raise your blood alcohol concentration to 0.08% or higher3typically occurring after 4 drinks for women and 5 drinks for men within about 2 hours. Heavy alcohol use means consuming more than 4 drinks on any day for men or more than 3 drinks for women.

Here in Australia, our guidelines are a bit different. The National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) recommends no more than 10 standard drinks per week and no more than 4 standard drinks on any single day to reduce health risks. It’s worth noting that an Australian standard drink contains 10g of pure alcohol, while a US standard drink contains 14g3an important distinction when comparing international alcohol dependence statistics.

Of particular concern is high-intensity drinking3consuming alcohol at levels twice or more the binge drinking thresholds (8+ drinks for women, 10+ for men in a single session). This pattern carries dramatically increased risks for injuries, alcohol poisoning, and other acute harms.

How reliable are self-reported alcohol surveys?

When examining alcohol dependence statistics, it’s important to consider that most data comes from self-reported surveys, which have inherent limitations. Research consistently shows that these surveys typically capture only 4060% of actual consumption when compared with alcohol sales data.

Several factors contribute to this underreporting. Many people experience genuine recall difficulties3can you accurately remember how many drinks you had last month? Social desirability bias also plays a role, with respondents often reporting what they believe is more socially acceptable rather than their actual consumption. Additionally, those with the heaviest drinking patterns are frequently underrepresented in surveys, as they may be less likely to participate or more likely to provide inaccurate responses.

Despite these limitations, self-reported surveys remain valuable tools. While the absolute numbers may be underestimated, the patterns, trends, and relative differences between groups tend to be reliable. Researchers have developed methods to improve accuracy, including timeline follow-back techniques that help people recall drinking more accurately, biomarker testing, and triangulating data from multiple sources such as sales figures and healthcare records.

Are global alcohol dependence rates increasing?

The global picture of alcohol dependence statistics shows complex and sometimes contradictory trends. Between 2010 and 2019, there was actually a 20.2% decrease in the global rate of alcohol-attributable deaths per 100,000 people3a positive sign. However, due to population growth, the absolute number of people affected by alcohol dependence remains staggeringly high.

The COVID-19 pandemic appears to have reversed some positive trends, with research showing that 60.1% of survey participants reported drinking more alcohol after March 2020. The isolation, stress, and disruption of normal routines created conditions that exacerbated problematic drinking for many people.

Looking at Australia specifically, we’ve seen concerning developments. Alcohol-induced deaths increased by 9.1% between 2021 and 2022, reaching the highest rate recorded in over a decade. This suggests that despite growing awareness of alcohol’s harms, many Australians continue to struggle with problematic consumption.

Regional variations in alcohol dependence statistics are significant. Some high-income countries show stabilising or declining rates, while many middle-income countries are experiencing increases as alcohol becomes more available and affordable. Rates remain relatively low in countries where alcohol is prohibited for religious reasons.

Without increased attention and effective public health policies, the WHO projects that the global burden of alcohol dependence will continue to be substantial. This underscores the importance of both individual awareness and systemic approaches to addressing problematic alcohol use.

Accept Your Recovery Path with Us by Your Side

Behind every alcohol dependence statistic is a real person with unique struggles, hopes, and dreams. At The Freedom Room in Strathpine, Queensland, we see beyond the numbers to the individual journeys of each person who walks through our door.

Recovery isn’t just about stopping drinking3it’s about rebuilding your life and refinding joy without alcohol. Our approach combines evidence-based therapies with authentic human connection, creating a supportive environment where lasting change can flourish.

What makes our approach different? Our entire team has walked the recovery path themselves. When you share your struggles with us, you’re talking to someone who truly understands3not just professionally, but personally. This lived experience brings a level of empathy and practical wisdom that simply can’t be taught in textbooks.

Our comprehensive support includes personalised one-on-one sessions that address your specific challenges and goals. In these private conversations, you’ll work with a counsellor who understands the nuances of alcohol dependence and can help you steer the sometimes bumpy road to recovery.

Our dynamic workshops build essential skills for maintaining sobriety while managing life’s inevitable stresses. You’ll learn practical techniques for handling triggers, managing difficult emotions, and building healthier relationships3all crucial components of sustainable recovery.

The group recovery meetings we offer provide something equally valuable: community. Connecting with others who share similar experiences helps combat the isolation that often accompanies alcohol dependence. These connections become a powerful source of motivation, accountability, and hope.

We also recognise that alcohol dependence affects more than just the individual3it impacts entire families. Our family involvement sessions help heal relationships damaged by alcohol and create a supportive home environment that nurtures recovery rather than undermining it.

At the core of our approach are evidence-based therapies including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). These proven methods help you identify and change unhelpful thought patterns while developing healthier coping mechanisms for life’s challenges.

The journey to recovery isn’t always straightforward, and setbacks can happen. What matters is having the right support to help you learn from these moments and continue moving forward. Our team stands ready to provide that support3without judgement, with deep understanding, and with unwavering belief in your ability to change.

No matter what the alcohol dependence statistics might suggest about your chances, thousands of people who once struggled with severe alcohol problems now live fulfilling, balanced lives. You can join them. The path to recovery begins with a single step3reaching out for help.

For more information about our approach to alcohol use disorder, visit our approach.

Support & Resources

If you or someone you know is suffering from alcohol addiction, please seek professional help and support at:
Our Office: Call (07) 3325 1531
Mobile: Call 0400 236 743 (Rachel)

For help outside of these hours, you can also contact:
Emergency Help: Call 000
AA Helpline: 1300 222 222
Lifeline: 13 11 14
Al-Anon: www.al-anon.org.au

When the weight of alcohol dependence feels overwhelming, remember you’re not alone. Reaching out for help is a sign of strength, not weakness—and support is always available when you’re ready to take that step.

At The Freedom Room, we’re here to provide compassionate, understanding support from people who’ve walked this path themselves. Our team knows the challenges of recovery because we’ve faced them too.

Recovery isn’t a straight line, and everyone’s journey looks different. Whether you’re considering cutting back, taking your first steps toward sobriety, or supporting a loved one through their recovery, professional guidance can make all the difference.

The alcohol dependence statistics we’ve discussed throughout this article represent real people with real struggles—people just like you or those you care about. Behind every number is someone’s story, someone’s pain, and someone’s potential for healing.

When you’re ready to write a new chapter in your story, we’ll be here—with understanding, compassion, and practical support to help you move forward toward the healthier, more fulfilling life you deserve.