According to Investors Business Daily , "29.6 million Americans are putting their health at risk due to their drinking habits."

Meanwhile, the "number of people who had received a diagnosis of alcoholism ... shot up by 49%, affecting 12.7% of the total population." That's based on two studies, one done in 2001--2002, and one in 2012-2013.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention say "moderate alcohol consumption is defined as having up to 1 drink per day for women and up to 2 drinks per day for men. ... For men, heavy drinking is typically defined as consuming 15 drinks or more per week. For women, heavy drinking is typically defined as consuming 8 drinks or more per week."

The CDC also states that about 90 percent of people "who drink excessively" do not meet the "clinical diagnostic criteria for having a severe alcohol use disorder," better known as alcohol dependence or alcoholism.

Signs and symptoms of alcoholism:

Inability to limit drinking.

Continuing to drink despite personal or professional problems.

Needing to drink more to get the same effect.

Wanting a drink so badly you can’t think of anything else.

Are you an excessive drinker? An alcoholic? A teetotaler? Tell us your experience. Follow the Pursuit of Happiness to comment below.