Alcohol, combined with the creation and improvement of technology and vast social unawareness, is a significant factor in a large number of social, emotional, physical, and mental problems that plague all of humanity in one way or another. The alcohol that we associate with blackouts, hangovers, depression, and death is ethyl alcohol, or grain alcohol. For 5000 years, this fermentation of grain or vegetable starch has been included in beverages such as beer, wine, champagne, and hard liquors. This gives the majority of the population the notion that alcohol is not a drug, when in actuality it is. The fact that it is most commonly used for religious and social purposes also helps their assumptions. This ignorance has led to compulsive and excessive drinking, which in turn leads to abuse, medical conditions such as cancer, liver damage, and ulcers, hallucinations, blackouts, extreme tremors, and death. The principal misconception people express is that alcoholism is the only level of severity when it comes to excessive drinking. In reality, there are actually five or six different levels of alcohol problems. The most common include binge drinking, alcohol abuse and alcoholism. Each has different descriptions, symptoms, causes, effects, and treatments. This paper will focus on informing the reader of the effects of alcohol on the body and describing the symptoms, causes, and the medical, social, and personal effects of alcoholism.
To better understand how alcoholism is caused and its effects on society and humankind, it is necessary to first understand how alcohol affects the body. Alcohol, contrary to popular belief, is a depressant, not a stimulant. It is swiftly absorbed into the bloodstream by the small intestine, and less hastily through the stomach (Encarta Encyclopedia 98 Computer Edition). The level of blood alcohol concentration is influenced by many factors: the amount of alcohol consumed in a certain period of time, the drinker's age, weight, height, gender, build, metabolism, and tolerance level.
Alcohol and Alcoholism is a big part in our society, which should be recognized and dealt with. ... The only guarantee that a person will not become an alcoholic is complete abstinence of alcohol whereas even the slightest amount of alcohol can lead to a person to alcoholism (#4). ... "Alcoholism." ... "Alcoholism." ... Alcoholism: Treatment ...
Alcoholism and Alcohol Abuse Many people do not know the actual facts about alcoholism. ... Alcoholism and alcohol abuse are two different things. Alcoholism has four major symptoms. ... These are the problems that come from alcohol abuse and may lead to alcoholism if not taken care of. ... There are many signs identifying the problems that a person may have with alcohol that lead to alcoholism and alcohol abuse. ...
The family members of a person who is suffering from alcoholism are always negatively impacted by the addict's behavior. ... It is not rare to encounter physical, mental or sexual abuse within a alcohol based family. Alcoholism is a chronic disease and can last a lifetime if it is not treated. ... When alcoholism develops in a family member, there is little chance of these needs being met. ... Fetal alcohol syndrome is the most common preventable cause of mental retardation. ...
The first type is called Alpha Alcoholism. ... With Alpha Alcoholism the person depends on alcohol to relieve bodily and emotional pain. ... Gamma alcoholics crave the need for alcohol and can only live without alcohol for a short period of time. ... The fourth type of alcoholism is Delta Alcoholism. ... Usually this type of alcoholism is found where alcohol is consumed customarily. ...
~Alcohol~ What Is Alcohol Abuse? ... Chronic alcoholism is a progressive, potentially fatal disease, characterized by an incessant craving for, increased tolerance of, physical dependence upon, and loss of control over drinking alcohol. ... Historically, alcoholic behavior was blamed on a character flaw or weakness of will; many authorities now consider chronic alcoholism a disease that can afflict anyone. ... Alcoholism is particularly insidious among young people and the elderly, in part because the symptoms are not easily recognized until the affected person becomes truly alcohol d...
Alcoholism is a problem that consists of consuming enough alcohol to interfere with every part of life. ... "The alcohol controls the alcoholic -- not vice versa" ( What is Alcoholism - 1 ). ... An alcoholic will need more alcohol to feel the same effect and or gets no pleasure from the alcohol itself. ... According to statistics, alcohol causes almost half of all traffic fatalities ( Alcoholism - 1 - 2 ). ... Other programs may use nutritional therapy to help overcome the effects of the alcohol to the body ( Treatment of Alcoholism - 1 ). ...
As a result, Asians feel the effects of alcohol, and potentially, alcohol poisoning, much faster than other ethnic communities. ... Lack of knowledge and information on the effects of alcohol leads to increased alcoholism among immigrants and 1st generation Americans. ... It doesn't take long for an addiction to occur and with the contsant reminders of alcohol in such surroundings, the tie between environment and alcoholism is obvious. ... A new, and controversial, study on alcoholism is one connected with genetic and a possible alcoholism gene. ... Alcohol exposure appears to be one o...
Some people, however, can't stop, and are at great risk of alcoholism. Alcoholism affects both your body and your life. ... The cause of alcoholism is unknown. ... Advertisements on TV, radio and in newspapers and magazines contribute to teen alcohol abuse and alcoholism. ... These facts and statistics seem to show that being bombarded by alcohol advertising may have an effect on the amount of alcoholism in our society. ...
