Those who fear being labeled as an alcoholic less likely to seek treatment for the disorder, study finds

Studies from Columbia University show that despite effective programs designed to help people who suffer from alcoholism, individuals who worry about stigma are less likely to take advantage of programs than alcoholics who do not care about stigma.

Other research found that less than 25 percent of alcoholics seek treatment .Furthermore, alcoholics who feared stigma were 60 percent less likely to seek treatment.

The study shows that, younger individuals perceived less stigma, and also were less likely to seek treatment for alcoholism. Furthermore, researchers reveal that men were more worried about being labeled as an alcoholic than women.

Programs for troubled youth can help children who suffer from alcohol abuse by providing educational and recreational activities to help them make healthy lifestyle choices.

According to research from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nearly 42 percent of children between ages of 15 and 18 reported that they have used alcohol in the 30 days leading up to the study.