18,000
yes it can, that's why we have detoxes for alcoholics.
Not unless they want to die. It will kill a person.
Many alcoholics are highly successful in their work and careers.
Two
1
Many of them do, yes.
20 millon
It depends upon the study and who is doing the study. Most suggest 5 - 10% of Americans are Alcoholics.
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.
they are worried the spouse my hurt them more or kill them or hurt some one they love
It has never been 'legal' to kill your spouse. You may not be prosecuted for the act, particularly if the prosecutor believes that a sympathetic jury would not find them guilty.
Alcoholics Anonymous