Alcoholism Essay

Alcoholism Essay
Alcholism
There are several different ways to describe substance abuse. So many people think that substance
abuse only pertains to alcoholism. There is several other substances that may cause someone to be
diagnosed with substance abuse disorder. Some of those things include: marijuana, alcohol,
stimulants(cocaine and amphetamines), Hallucinogens, Inhalants, sedatives, and even nicotine.
Even though some people may not see some of these things as things that may become addicting
they are. More and more people are becoming addicted to the smallest things such as alcohol. For
hundreds and thousands of American citizens alcoholism is become far too common. Alcoholism is a
disease that affects many people in the United States today. It not...show more content...
Additionally, like many other drug abusers, alcoholics often drink hoping to "drown' anxious or
depressed feelings. Some alcoholics drink to reduce strong inhibitions or guilt about expressing
negative feelings.
Social and cultural factors play roles in to establishing drinking patterns and the development of
alcoholism. In some cultures, there is conflict between abstaining and accepting the use of alcohol
as a way to change moods or to be social, thus making it difficult for some people to develop stable
attitudes about and moderate patterns of drinking. Society tends to aid in the development of
alcoholism by making alcohol seem glamorous, showing that by drinking, you will become more
popular, more glamorous and more worthy of respects from others.
The physical effects of alcoholism are somewhat gruesome. Excessive in take and prolonged use of
alcohol can cause serious disturbances in body chemistry
"Many alcoholics exhibit swollen and tender livers. The prolonged use of large amounts of
alcoholism without adequate diet may cause serious liver damage, such as cirrhosis of the liver"
(McCarthy 505). Alcoholism also causes loss of muscular control.
The condition delirium tremens, known primarily to heavy drinkers, causes hallucinations along
with loss of control of muscular functioning. When this condition develops and the alcoholic slows
their drinking, withdrawal
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Alcoholism: Article Analysis
After reading the article on the man that faced alcoholism I can't help but feel more confusion. I
am what you would call a "role model" because i don't drink, smoke or party despite being a
captain of the football team and a very social person. Like you, I have never understood the
significance of alcohol for people and what makes them gain an initial interest. The man in this
article astonished me in that he continued to black out every weekend despite the many life
threatening situations he went through and the other lives he put at risk. He is the type of person i
would think is poison to our society. This brings up another question: Am i being way too quick to
judge a person? Obviously this man outgrew his childish behavior and has become

Alcoholism Essay
Alcoholism, or alcohol dependence, is a chronic disease, which is common in our world today. In
the United States, 1 in every 13 adults is either an abuser of alcohol or an alcoholic. This disease
includes a craving from the victim in spite of any problems or consequences, which they may have
or have had. Consequences of this disease are often very severe; for example, job problems
frequently arise. In addition to serious job dilemmas, victims of this disease often get into mischief
with the law, as well as undergo critical health problems. The NCADD (National Council on
Alcoholism and Drug Dependence) thoroughly investigates this serious disease. This council's
research has discovered that 17.7 million United States' citizens have this...show more content...
The larger the company, the more common this disease is to exist among employees. It is important
that employers realize that this problem is serious and should be paid attention to. If a worker is
suffering from this addiction, then the employer should address this issue.
There are several ways for an employer to help their employees. As time progresses and we
become more aware of this problem, the more help there is for people who suffer from alcoholism.
In many cases, alcoholic treatment is effective in many cases. An example of employer action taken
against alcoholism in the workplace is "Drugs Don't Work in NJ!" This was formed in
1992 in New Jersey and they have achieved many great accomplishments. Examples of these
accomplishments are: a five–part package program for small to mid–sized businesses, they published
the results from these businesses, established an unprecedented information network of newsletters,
legal updates, etc. to assist businesses, enrolled a large majority of NJ's businesses in this
program, and instituted a partnership with the NCADD. This is only one example of an employer's
choice to act on alcoholism in their business. This is only active in New Jersey currently; however,
it is a good example for the rest of the country to follow. Other options exist for the workplace, such
as bringing in speakers, hand out alcohol awareness pamphlets, private counseling, posted AA
meetings, etc.

Case Study on Alcoholism Essay
Introduction: The ingestion of alcoholic beverages for their enjoyable effects is a custom which has
been around for thousands of years, and alcohol continues to be a popular drug because of its
short–term effects (Coleman, Butcher & Carson, 1984). An enormous amount of damage can be
attributed directly to alcohol abuse as a result of lost jobs, accidents caused by drunk drivers, and so
forth (Maltzman, 2000). Alcohol also compounds other problems––an estimated 25% to 40% of
hospital patients have problems caused by, or recovery delayed by alcohol abuse (Maltzman, 2000).
Clinical psychologists spend about one–fourth of their time dealing with people who are suffering in
part from alcohol or other substance problems (Vaillant,...show more content...
The American Medical Association in 1977 reported thatalcoholism is an ?illness characterized by
significant impairment that is directly associated with persistent and excessive use of alcohol.
Impairment may involve physiological, psychological or social dysfunction? (Maltzman, 2000,
p.43). A final quote by Stanley E. Gitlow of Mount Sinai School of medicine suggests that
?alcoholism is a disease characterized by the repetitive and compulsive indigestion of any sedative
drug...in such a way as to cause interference in some aspects of the subjects life, be it in the area of
interpersonal relationships, job, marriage, or physical health. It is absolutely critical to appreciate
that this definition does not in any way specify which sedative agent is used, the frequency of its
use, or the amount ingested? (O?Brien & Chafetz, 1982, p.26). Based on the above various
quotations, it can be said that there is a wide opinion on the classification and the definition of
alcoholism.
The Patient: WG is an alcoholic or substance abuser according to the outlines set forth in the
DSM–IV. WG is a 24 year old male and currently resides at his father?s dwellings in Red Deer,
Alberta. As the result of numerous years of drinking to excess have forced this man into the
situation that he now finds himself. WG does not currently have his driver?s license because he
received an impaired ticket from the police late last year and lost his license for a year. WG has a
casual

Alcoholism Essay
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...show more content...
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 of alcoholism in any individual.
Alcoholism often seems to run in families. Although there is no conclusive indication of the
alcoholic family member is associated, studies show that 50 to
80 percent of all alcoholics have had a close alcoholic relative. Some researchers believe that one
inherits an addiction for alcohol. Studies on animals and twins seem to support this theory. One study
suggests that a susceptibility to alcoholism may be linked to a gene on chromosome eleven.
Alcoholism may also be related to emotional problems. For example, alcoholism is sometimes
associated with a family history of maniac–depression.
Some alcoholics have used alcohol medicate a depressive disorder. Alcoholics commonly drown
their depressed or anxious feelings with alcohol. Some may drink to reduce inhibitions or negative
feelings. Many alcoholics share experiences of loneliness,

Alcoholism
Samantha JensenFCA's:
Mrs. RousseSolid Thesis & Topic Sentences
English 12MLA Format
3 March 2014Quoted/Paraphrased/Summarized
The Effects of Alcohol
I am someone who knows from experience the risk factors of alcohol. My whole life growing up,
my father was an alcoholic and the facts are right, it destroys you, and your family. You can pretty
much say that alcoholism can and most likely will destroy everything if you do not receive proper
treatment. Alcohol is a very serious matter in today's society and leads to many social, economic,
and health problems; alcoholism can be put to an end if it was illegal and less prominent in
everyday life.
What...show more content...
People that are surrounding an alcoholic often become frustrated with the alcoholic and become
depressed. If alcoholism could be stopped, it could benefit more than just alcoholics.
Most alcoholics become dependent to the alcohol and literally cannot function without it. "The
problems linked to alcohol dependence are extensive and affect people physically, socially, and
mentally" (American Academy of Pediatrics 1). One crazy thing people do not know is "fish oil
may protect alcoholism abusers and alcoholics from dementia" (Smith, Lawrence, and Jeanne 1).
Complications of alcohol consumption include: fatigue, memory loss, liver disease, and
hypertension, black outs, blurred vision, skin problems, lack of co–ordination, alcohol poisoning,
cancer, and diabetes. Out of all of the complications, liver disease is the biggest problem linked to
alcohol. "Long term heavy drinking eventually takes its toll resulting in liver scarring–cirrhosis, or
end stage liver disease which may lead to death" (Alcoholism Sourcebook 1). "If red blood cells
increase it could be an indication of long–term alcohol abuse" (American Academy of Pediatrics 1).
"Some stress is linked to alcohol and alcohol abuse as well" (Narcotic Education of America 1).
When being addicted to alcohol, another problem partnered with alcohol abuse and addiction is
withdrawal. "Withdrawal symptoms such as, nausea, sweating, shaking, and anxiety occur when

Alcoholism Essay
Alcoholism and its Effects On the Family
Alcohol is a very powerful drug. It can ruin someone's life. It may also be able to ruin everyone that
alcoholic lives around. But first what is alcoholism.
Alcoholism is a chronic disorder characterized by dependence on alcohol, repeated excessive use of
alcoholic beverages, development of withdrawal symptoms on reducing or ceasing alcohol intake,
morbidity that may include cirrhosis of the liver, and decreased ability to function socially and
vocationally. Currently believed by many to be a disease with strong genetic links.
One thing that defines alcoholism is denial. Early in the development of...show more content...
That parent spends most of the time going from problem to problem. Financial problems are not
unusual. At this point the parent is likely to seek outside help.(Harrison)
Now we are starting to rebuild the structure and regain control. The non–alcoholic parent coping
abilities have become strengthened. He or she gradually takes over a larger share of the
responsibility for the family. This may mean getting a job or taking over the money. Rather than
focusing on getting the alcoholic to shape up, the spouse is now taking charge and tries to encourage
family life, in spite of the alcoholism.(Harrison)
Now it is time to try and get away from the alcoholic. Separation or divorce may be tried. If the
family remains together, the family continues living around the alcoholic. In the case of separation,
family reform occurs without the alcoholic member. If the alcoholic achieves sobriety, a resolution
may take place. Either way, both parents must straighten up their roles within the family and make
new adjustments.(Harrison)
There are many places you can go to get help. First of all there is Alcoholics Anonymous which is
for those who are drinking and want to go get help with there disease. Then there is Ala–non which
is for those who have a close relationship with the alcoholic. Ala–non helps them by giving them
ideas on how to cope with an alcoholic. There is another type

Essay on Alcoholism
Alcoholism
Alcoholism is perhaps the most common form of drug abuse in North America today. Scientists
report that the reason alcohol is so popular to people is because it is pleasant, relaxing, and is
considered a "social beverage." But what individuals often do not take in to consideration is the fact
that alcohol dulls the brain and confuses physical reactions. This can lead to numerous injuries,
accidents, and death. Alcohol affects every part of an alcoholic's life: their body, their mind and
their family life. The body has a natural chemical that gives a feeling of a "natural high". It happens
in the presence of a life–endangering situation. This chemical is adrenaline, which is meant to
prepare the body for defense in...show more content...
After alcohol reaches the brain, it numbs the frontal lobe, which has direct control over the
judgment, visual perception and decision making skills. Scientists believe this is what makes
alcoholics believe they can conquer any task put before them. After drinking a good number of
drinks everyday over a long period of time, many things can happen. Cirrhosis of the liver can occur,
which means the liver tissues become hardened. Scientists also report that irreversible brain
damage can occur before cirrhosis of the liver is even detected. Also, cancer of the liver, mouth,
esophagus as well as lungs and pancreatic cancer often occur as a result of alcoholism. Alcohol also
has an affect on the mind as well as the body. Alcoholics often report that they feel inferior to
people and believe they can do anything. Many people believe that alcohol acts as a "social
lubricant." Increased social pleasures, assertiveness talkativeness and even happiness are all
expected by many, when they drink in these situations. Alcohol is said to reduce tension and anxiety.
This in turn allows drinkers to feel more relaxed and comfortable in social situations. However, this
also encourages the drinker to drink more when under more stress.
Alcohol has the most affect on the family. Many alcoholics do not believe this because they think
what they do has no affect on their family and friends. But often times the

Alcoholism Essay
Section 3
The first article I studied was a systematic review and meta–analysis on the effects of brief alcohol
interventions on drinking and driving among youth. This study evaluated whether brief alcohol
interventions (BAIs) were effective in reducing the number of adolescents that drive after drinking.
"Brief interventions refer to a broad family of interventions that can vary in length, structure, delivery
personnel, underpinning theory, and philosophy" (Steinka–Fry, et al., 2015, para. 9). The significant
feature of this style of intervention is the short duration, and this study focused on interventions
within 5 hours or less. A few therapeutic components of a BAI highlighted in this article included
one or more of the following:...show more content...
One behavioral intervention highlighted in the article that has major influence in youth alcohol
consumption was strict regulation of commercial access to alcohol. "Lawmakers implemented
several policy strategies targeting these influences to reduce the availability of alcohol to youth.
These strategies include: raising the minimum legal drinking age (MLDA), curtailing commercial
access, limiting social access, and reducing economic availability" (NIH, n.d., para. 25). This type of
regulation is monitored through compliance checks, in which local law enforcement use members of
the youth population to "test" whether a commercial facility will sell alcohol to the minors. A
violation of this law could result in fees, penalties, loss of permit to sale alcohol, up to criminal
charges of endangerment. Because this study focused on multiple intervention aspects at all stages
of a behavior change related to alcohol use, I believe the evaluated interventions align with a
combination of the Transtheoretical Model of Change, Social Cognitive Theory, and the Health
Belief Model. The intervention programs outlined really encompass all variables that influence a
positive behavior change in alcohol use within the youth population.
This article defined the combination of the three aligned theories listed above as the application of
the Theory of Triadic Influence (TTI). Although this theory was not discussed in class, I agree that it
is applicable to my objective and

Essay on Dangers of Alcoholism
Alcoholism
Alcoholism is a very serious disease, which can cause illness, death, injuries, schooling problems,
family breakups, and crime. It is a proven fact the alcohol kills more people than any other illegal
drugs combined. However, alcohol courses freely through American society, from college bars to
corporate lunches. In a recent journal article by The Scientist, it is stated, "Technology shows alcohol
abuse changes brain's molecular programming and circuitry? (Scientist). Thus revealing that alcohol
is a quick fix that will hurt us all in the long run. There are many different types of drugs such as,
antidepressants, depressants, hallucinogenic. Most people when asked, oppose strongly to using
these drugs...show more content...
The four major problems with alcoholics are depression, memory loss, organ damage, and reduced
self–awareness. The most dangerous of all is depression, which can cause increased drinking
tendencies, mental breakdowns, and suicidal thoughts. If drinking continues for a long period of
time alcoholics can encounter liver cancer, stomach cancer, and other organ damage. Overall,
alcoholism is a battle that far too many people are losing. Results from the National Household
Survey (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services 1998) suggest that as many as 40 million
Americans drink more than the moderate drinking levels recommended by the National Institute on
Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (it varies for different sizes and sex) (NIAAA) (1995). "It is
estimated that six million Americans persistently misuse alcohol, yet another eight million more are
addicted, and one hundred humans throughout our nation will die each year from this"(Newsweek).
Alcohol is one of the biggest causes of premature death in the United States. On average, people
dying from alcohol related causes lose twenty–six years from their normal life expectancy. However,
the alcoholics are not the only ones suffering, "Each year Alcohol abuse costs our country a
whopping $185 billion a year in everything from lost workdays to drunken driving accidents. Out of
that $185

Alcoholism Essay
Alcoholism is a wide–ranging and complex disease that heavily plagues society. Drinking is
defined as the consumption of a liquid, and/or the act of drinking alcoholic beverages especially to
excess. Every year alcohol is responsible for 1/2 of all murders, accidental deaths, and suicides; 1/3
of all drowning, boating, and aviation deaths; 1/2 of all crimes; and almost 1/2 of all fatal
automobile accidents (Overview 1). Alcohol is a potent nonprescription drug sold to anyone over the
national legal drinking age, 21. Unlike carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, which can be manufactured
by the body, alcohol is a substance that is not made within the body. It is a food, because itsupplies a
concentrated number of calories, but is not...show more content...
Relatively speaking, the twelve million U.S. College students drink over 430 million gallons of
alcohol a year– that is 3,500 Olympic sized swimming pools filled with alcohol. Binge drinking is
the number one public health hazard for more than six million college students in America (MADD
2). Only five percent of alcohol is eliminated from the body through the breath, urine, or sweat; the
rest is broken down in the liver. In the Liver: –Alcohol is broken down in steps by enzymes until
only carbon dioxide remain as by–products. –Alcohol is processed at the rate of three tenths of an
ounce of pure ethanol per hour (less than one ounce of whiskey) and unprocessed alcohol
circulates in the body. (The alcohol from two cocktails, each about 1.5 ounces, drank before
dinner is still present in the body three to four hours later) (Overview 2). The liver's fixed rate of
alcohol breakdown means that drinking coffee or taking a cold shower does not speed the sobering
process. Therefore, giving coffee to a person who is drunk may make a wide–awake drunk, who
thinks he/she is sober enough to drive a car. Occasional users of alcohol, who are healthy, do not
appear to suffer negative affects from use of alcohol. In moderate doses, alcohol has beneficial
effects: relaxation, appetite stimulation. However, consumed in large amounts, alcohol is a toxin.
The short–term

Outline On Alcoholism With Outline
1. What is alcoholism? 2. How do people become alcoholics? 3. What are the effects of
alcoholism, on both the alcoholic and their family? 4. How do you diagnose alcoholism? 5. Is there
a cure for alcoholics? 6. What is the treatment? What is Alcoholism? Alcoholism can be defined as
the dependency on alcohol; addiction to alcohol. It is a chronic disease, this disease called
alcoholism is progressive and potentially fatal. " In 1966 the American Medical Association (AMA)
declared Alcoholism a disease, but it is still judged morally by society" said Father Martin. There
are different types of alcoholics, the first type of alcoholic is the everyday drinker. These alcoholics
drink on a daily basis with a high dependency on alcohol. A...show more content...
Alcoholism causes excessive absences at work. Which causes loss of money for both the
employee and the employer. Up to 40% of industrial fatalities and 47% of industrial injuries can be
linked to alcohol consumption and alcoholism. Alcohol also impairs productivity at work. Alcohol
seriously effects one out of every ten Americans. It is the cause of more deaths, violence, family
disruption and job absenteeism than any other substance. How do you diagnose alcoholism?
Alcoholism is a tough disease for doctors to diagnose, due to the fact that any physical effects of
alcoholism can be viewed as another medical problem. The alcoholic is in denial and is not going
to tell the doctor how much they drink, unless the doctor asks, but most doctors don't. You can
diagnose yourself by answering some of the following questions: 1. Have you gotten into financial
difficulties as a result of drinking? 2. Is alcohol making your life unhappy? 3. Has drinking alcohol
ever been behind your losing a job? 4. Has your efficiency decreased since drinking? 5. Has your
ambition decreased since drinking? 6. Does drinking cause you to have difficulty sleeping? 7. Have
you ever felt remorse after drinking? 8. Do you crave a drink at a definite time daily? 9. Do you
want a drink the next morning? 10. Have you ever had a complete or partial loss of memory as a
result of drinking? 11. Is drinking affecting your reputation? 12. Does drinking make you careless of
your

Alcoholism Essay

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