Alcholism

Abstract

One out of very thirteen adults is considered to be an alcoholic or they suffer from a drinking problem. Today, fourteen million Americans suffer from this disease which is caused by a combination of physiological, psychological, social, and genetic factors. Alcoholism is a developmental disease that progresses slowly over a period if time and is based solely on both the physical and emotional dependency of alcohol. In many cases it leads to brain and liver damage and/or early death.

Alcoholism

Alcoholism is a wide-ranging and complex disease that heavily plagues our society in the United States. Alcoholism can be defined as being addicted to the consumption of alcoholic liquor or the mental illness and compulsive behavior resulting from the physical dependency of alcohol (dictionary.com). Drinking is defined as the consumption of a liquid, and/or the act of drinking alcoholic beverages especially to excess. It is estimated that over three million teenagers between the ages of fourteen and seventeen in the United States today are problem drinkers. Accidents and suicides that are associated with alcohol problems are especially prominent in the teen years. Every year alcohol is responsible for one half of all murders, accidental deaths, and suicides. One third of all drowning, boating, and aviation deaths, one half of all crimes; and nearly one half of all fatal automobile accidents are due to the irresponsible consumption of alcohol. To some, alcohol is considered to be a potent nonprescription drug sold to anyone over the legal drinking age of twenty-one.

Alcoholism is an outrageous public health problem. Due to the physical dependency of alcohol, and affects the brain, alcoholism is a very difficult illness to be cured of. What ultimately triggers the onset of alcoholism in the brain is debatable. "The Institute of Medicine of the National Academy of Sciences estimates that alcoholism and alcohol abuse in the United States cost society from $40 to $60 billion annually, due to the lost production, health and medical care, motor vehicle accidents, violent crime, and social programs that respond to alcohol problems. One half of all traffic fatalities and one-third of all traffic injuries are related to the abuse of alcohol" (Caplan 266).

Alcohol not only affects the alcoholic, but also the individuals family, friends, co-workers, and eventually others who could be involved in the treatment of this disease.

The symptoms are countless, as are the causes and the effects. Alcoholism shows a pattern of drinking in which harmful consequences result for the drinker, however, they continue to drink. There are two types of drinkers; each come from two extremes. The first type, the casual or social drinker, drinks nonchalantly. This individual may drink with a friend or with a group of people for pleasure and only on an occasional basis. The compulsive drinker, on the other hand, drinks because of the physical and mental urge, despite the adverse effects that drinking has on their lives. The symptoms of alcoholism vary from person to person, but the most common symptoms seen are changes in emotional state or stability, behavior, and personality. "Alcoholism can be related to emotional instabilities among other things. Alcoholics may become angry and argumentive, or quiet and withdrawn or depressed. They may also feel more anxious, sad, tense, and confused. They then seek relief by drinking more" (Gitlow 175).

According to collegedrinkingprevention.gov use, misuse, heavy use, abuse, addiction and dependence are the common labels used to describe drinking habits. Use refers to simple use alcohol; an individual who drinks any alcoholic beverage is using alcohol. Misuse, heavy use, and problem use suggest consumption of alcohol beyond the point where it causes physical, social, or moral harm to the individual. Abuse and dependence are defined as a preoccupation with the consumption of alcohol, and a physical desire to consume alcohol. In addition to these levels of alcohol use and misuse, there are four symptoms described by collegedrinkingprevention.gov, these are craving; a strong need, or urge to drink, loss of control; not being able to stop drinking once drinking has begun, physical dependence; withdrawal symptoms, such as nausea, sweating, shakiness, or anxiety after stopping drinking. Tolerance is described as; the need to drink greater amounts of alcohol to feel out of of ones element, or in some cases to reach a norm. Alcoholics may crave alcohol as another person may crave water or food.

"Alcoholism is considered a chronic, often progressive disease, and left untreated alcoholism can be fatal" (mayoclinic.com). Because it is chronic, it will stay with the alcoholic until death, unless treated. The symptoms of alcoholism