Alcohol use is extremely widespread throughout developed countries. It is estimated that 8 million people in the US are alcohol dependent. Approximately 20% of men and 10% of women will at some point in their lives have an alcohol-use disorder. About half of people with alcohol-use disorders will have symptoms of withdrawal when they cut down or stop their alcohol consumption. Extreme complications, including seizures and/or delirium tremens, will occur in 3-5% of these people.