What is the lifetime risk of alcohol dependence?

What is the lifetime risk of alcohol dependence?

• A. 7%
• B. 25%
• C. 13%
• D. 33%

Answer: (C)

Lifetime risk is the probability that a person will develop alcohol dependence at some point in their life, not just currently. In the general population, studies estimate this long-term risk at about 13%, roughly 1 in 8 people. That makes the figure around 13% the best estimate among common options, since a lower figure (7%) underestimates the lifetime potential, and much higher figures (25% or 33%) exceed the overall population risk. Of course, individual risk varies with factors like genetics, family history, and environment, but the overall lifetime risk centers near 13%.

Lifetime risk is the probability that a person will develop alcohol dependence at some point in their life, not just currently. In the general population, studies estimate this long-term risk at about 13%, roughly 1 in 8 people. That makes the figure around 13% the best estimate among common options, since a lower figure (7%) underestimates the lifetime potential, and much higher figures (25% or 33%) exceed the overall population risk. Of course, individual risk varies with factors like genetics, family history, and environment, but the overall lifetime risk centers near 13%.