Essay on Alcoholism

Free Alcoholism papers

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Alcoholism

Alcoholism refers the drinking of alcohol to such a degree that major

aspects of one's life are seriously and repeatedly interfered with. These

aspects include work, school, family relationships, personal safety and health.

Alcoholism is considered a disease. It has known physical, psychological and

social symptoms. An alcoholic continues to drink even despite the destructive

consequences. Alcoholism is serious and progressive. It can be fatal if not

treated. Alcoholism is a very complex disorder. An alcoholic who stops

drinking for a while is considered recovering, not cured.

A person does not have to drink every day in order to be considered an

alcoholic. Likewise, someone who drinks frequently or gets drunk every once and

a while is not necessarily and alcoholic. It is possible to abuse alcohol for a

short period of time without developing alcoholism. For example, some people

may drink abusively during a personal crisis and then resume normal drinking.

College students tend to drink more heavily than other age groups. It is often

difficult to distinguish such heavy and abusive drinking from the early stages

of alcoholism. How well the person can tolerate giving up alcohol for an

extended time and the effects of drinking on the family, friends, work, and

health, may indicate the extent of the alcohol problem.

More than ten million Americans are estimated to be alcoholic.

Alcoholism is found in all ages, cultures and economic groups. It is estimated

that 75 percent of alcoholics are male and 25 percent are female. Alcoholism is

a worldwide problem, but is most widespread in France, Ireland, Poland,

Scandinavia, Russia and the United States.

Some common symptoms of alcoholism in the early stages are constant

drinking for relief of personal problems, an increase in one's tolerance for

alcohol, memory lapses or blackouts while drinking, and an urgent craving for

alcohol. In the middle and late phases, dependence on alcohol causes tremors

and agitation only relievable by alcohol.

Most likely, a combination of biological, psychological, and cultural

factors contribute to the development...