The word alcoholism can be scary in itself. Not many people know about this common condition. According to Webster's dictionary the definition of alcoholism is the psychophysiological dependence on alcoholic beverages; a chronic, disease, mainly effecting the nervous and digestive system, caused by the excessive and habitual use of alcohol. Kenneth Blum, in his article "Alcoholism is a Genetically Inherited Disease-, provides logical appeals to support his claim, therefore, making a sound argument persuading readers to discredit Kohm's position in "Alcoholism is Not Genetically Inherited-.
Kenneth Blum argues that alcoholism is a genetically inherited disease, and should be treated with care. Blum concludes that people become alcoholics when their use of alcohol goes beyond socializing and becomes a necessity. "Once the trap has snapped shut, even though the alcoholic may realize the danger, the short-term rewards are so great and the urge is so powerful that the drinking habit has to be protected. . ."" Blum's main argument was made when he listed the results from a survey conducted by the Washington University School of Medicine. Blum cited that twenty three percent of the sons of alcoholic fathers grew up to become alcoholics themselves, and twenty eight percent of the sons of alcoholic mothers grew up to be abusers of the drug.
Blum does an excellent job of proving his point in his article. Blum set-up his essay in a chronological order. He first explained to the readers why and how alcohol becomes a necessity to alcoholics. Blum the further explains the progression of the disease, which gives the reader more background on the topic and on Blum's position. He then talks about the "Indifference and Dependence- explaining, "It is the disease that makes life unbearable for the alcoholic and the members of the alcoholic's family."" Furthermore, Blum goes into explaining the effects of alcohol and pregnancy.
Millions of Americans are affected by alcoholism everyday. There has been much debate over the causes of alcoholism. ... There is no one answer to the question of whether or not alcoholism is inherited or if it is developed later in life. ... Much research has been done on the genetics of alcoholism. ... The experiment found that those monkeys who were not reared with their mothers drank double what the others drank (1). ...
Alcoholism can affect anyone. ... Although we do have ideas as to what alcoholism is, what we do not know is the exact cause(s) of this problem. ... Not one explanation seems to be better than another is. ... Not everyone with an alcohol problem becomes an alcoholic. ... There are two sides of the story that being that people inherit the trait and the other that it is learned. ...
Social-scientific research has consistently conflicted with the disease theory, but psychological conceptions of alcoholism are not very well represented in the public consciousness, in treatment programs, or in policies for affecting this countries drinking practices. ... The idea of an inherited biological mechanism is not always a part of disease theories, although it has been a major source for medical research (Schuckit, 1984). ... Alcoholism is a primary disease and is not linked to another condition. ... In the eyes of those that support the disease theory, alcoholism should not be j...
Alcoholism - Pros and Cons The following essay will introduce you to pros and cons of drinking. ... In chronic cases, alcoholism can lead to mental disturbances. ... In addition to their own inherited risk for later alcoholism, children of alcoholics have serious coping problems that may be life long. ... Many people drink alcoholic beverages and believe that it will not have an affect, but they are wrong! ... Alcohol is a want, not a need, and if you live a life without alcohol you will definitely live a life of happiness. ...
In chronic cases, alcoholism can lead to mental disturbances. ... Except in severe cases, the damage is not permanent and abstinence nearly always leads to recovery of normal mental function. ... In addition to their own inherited risk for later alcoholism, children of alcoholics have serious coping problems that may be life long. ... Many people drink alcoholic beverages and believe that it will not have an affect, but they are wrong! ... Alcohol is a want, not a need, and if you live a life without alcohol you will definitely live a life of happiness. ...
Most people never believe the fact that consuming alcohol can be just as dangerous as illegal drugs, not only to the body, but to the mind and spirit as well. ... Alcohol is a depressant; it impairs the ability to drive, slows down reaction time and causes person to make some risky decisions that would not be normally be taken. ... "Recent research has demonstrated that for many people a vulnerability to alcoholism is inherited" (Alcoholism: A Widespread Problem). ... But just because a child's parent is an alcoholic, it does not mean that the child will grow up to be one. Alcohol abuse ...
Genes alone don't determine who we are, you can possibly inherit opinions, beliefs and interests as you grow up. ... Alcoholism it could be generated and passed on biologically or through the environment. ... I feel when it comes to alcoholism it tends to lean more toward environment. ... A teen is very likely to experiment to see if they like it or not. A kid who opts not to drink will be teased or harassed by his/her peers for not being part of the "in" crowd. ...
In chronic cases, alcoholism can lead to mental disturbances. ... Alcoholism in parents also increases the risk for violent behavior and abuse toward their children. ... In addition to their own inherited risk for later alcoholism, children of alcoholics have serious coping problems that may be life long. ... Many people drink alcoholic beverages and believe that it will not have an affect, but they are wrong! ... Personally, drinking alcoholic beverages is something that does not have to be part of your life. ...
