People have been brewing and fermenting alcoholic drinks since the dawn of civilization. In moderate amounts, alcoholic beverages are relaxing and in some cases may even help heart health. But when you drink too much, alcohol is poisonous and considered a drug. It's estimated that between 18 million -- or one in 12 adults -- in the U.S. abuse alcohol or are chronic alcoholics. Nearly 100,000 Americans die each year because of alcohol abuse, and alcohol is a factor in more than half of the country's homicides, suicides, and traffic accidents. Alcohol abuse also plays a role in many social and domestic problems, from job absenteeism and crimes against property to spousal and child abuse.