No one know the answer to that question. There is even lack of agreement as to how to define an alcoholic.
Estimates range between 15,000,000 - 30,000,000 alcoholics in the US, depending on how one defines alcoholism. Generally speaking, alcoholics seem to run in the 5 - 10% range of the population in areas of the world where alcohol is commonly consumed.
Approximately 17.6 million people in the U.S. have alcoholic problems or are alcoholics.
Many alcoholics are highly successful in their work and careers.
yes
1
Many of them do, yes.
Two
The Canyon Club is a US based organization that supports recovering alcoholics. Their mission statement is to "support the recovery and rehabilitation of alcoholics".
18,000
It depends upon the study and who is doing the study. Most suggest 5 - 10% of Americans are Alcoholics.
20 millon
Its probably a matter of life and death for him/her. Many alcoholics need the meetings to retain some balance in their lives. The meetings are a support network for alcoholics and give them the opportunity to hear how other recovering alcoholics are handling the problems that so many of us encounter in our lives, without having to drink. It's a forum where they can share each other's experience,strength and hope.