Alcoholism is a Widespread Problem
For most people who drink, alcohol is a pleasant accompaniment to social activities. Moderate alcohol use—up to two drinks per day for men and one drink per day for women and older people—is not harmful for most adults. (A standard drink is one 12-ounce bottle or can of either beer or wine cooler, one 5-ounce glass of wine, or 1.5 ounces of 80-proof distilled spirits.) Nonetheless, a large number of people get into serious trouble because of
their drinking. Currently, nearly 17.6 million adult Americans abuse alcohol or are alcoholic. Several million more adults engage in risky drinking that could lead to alcohol problems. These patterns include binge drinking and heavy drinking on a regular basis. In addition, 53 percent of men and women in the United States report that one or more of their close relatives have a drinking problem.
The consequences of alcohol misuse are serious—in many cases, life threatening. Heavy drinking can increase the risk for certain cancers, especially those of the liver, esophagus, throat, and larynx (voice box). Heavy drinking can also cause liver cirrhosis, immune system problems, brain damage, and harm to the fetus during pregnancy. In addition, drinking increases the risk of death from automobile crashes as well as recreational and on-the-job injuries. Furthermore, both homicides and suicides are more likely to be committed by persons who have been drinking. In purely economic terms, alcohol-related problems cost society approximately $185 billion per year. In human terms, the costs cannot be calculated.
What Is Alcoholism?
Alcoholism, also known as “alcohol dependence,” is a disease that includes four symptoms:
- Craving: A strong need, or compulsion, to drink.
- Loss of control: The inability to limit one’s drinking on any given occasion.
- Physical dependence: Withdrawal symptoms, such as nausea, sweating, shakiness, and anxiety, occur when alcohol use is stopped after a period of heavy drinking.
- Tolerance: The need to drink greater amounts of alcohol in order to “get high.”
People who are not alcoholic sometimes do not understand why an alcoholic can’t just “use a little willpower” to stop drinking. However, alcoholism has little to do with willpower. Alcoholics are in the grip of a powerful “craving,” or uncontrollable need, for alcohol that overrides their ability to stop drinking. This need can be as strong as the need for food or water.
Although some people are able to recover from alcoholism without help, the majority of alcoholics need assistance. With treatment and support, many individuals are able to stop drinking and rebuild their lives.
Many people wonder why some individuals can use alcohol without problems but others cannot. One important reason has to do with genetics. Scientists have found that having an alcoholic family member makes it more likely that if you choose to drink you too may develop alcoholism. Genes, however, are not the whole story. In fact, scientists now believe that certain factors in a person’s environment influence whether a person with a genetic risk for alcoholism ever develops the disease. A person’s risk for developing alcoholism can increase based on the person’s environment, including where and how he or she lives; family, friends, and culture; peer pressure; and even how easy it is to get alcohol. Alcoholism in the News
02/03/2012
Hamilton admits alcoholism relapse
ARLINGTON, Texas, Feb. 3 (UPI) -- Texas Rangers outfielder and former American League MVP Josh Hamilton admitted Friday he had suffered a relapse in his battle with alcohol abuse.
Hamilton admits alcoholism relapse
01/30/2012
Facing up to alcoholism in foreign land can help or hinder recovery
A reader has a query about alcoholism in Japan: "How is it generally perceived and what kind of help is available for foreign alcoholics who speak little to no Japanese?" It will come as no surprise to any Japan resident to hear that alcoholism is a problem in this country, just as it is in other parts of the world. Needless to say, this disease affects not only Japanese but non-Japanese living ...
Facing up to alcoholism in foreign land can help or hinder recovery
02/03/2012
Hamilton admits alcoholism relapse
ARLINGTON, Texas, Feb. 3 (UPI) -- Texas Rangers outfielder and former American League MVP Josh Hamilton admitted Friday he had suffered a relapse in his battle with alcohol abuse.
Hamilton admits alcoholism relapse
01/30/2012
Facing up to alcoholism in foreign land can help or hinder recovery
A reader has a query about alcoholism in Japan: "How is it generally perceived and what kind of help is available for foreign alcoholics who speak little to no Japanese?" It will come as no surprise to any Japan resident to hear that alcoholism is a problem in this country, just as it is in other parts of the world. Needless to say, this disease affects not only Japanese but non-Japanese living ...
Facing up to alcoholism in foreign land can help or hinder recovery
01/24/2012
Oxford University Press and Medical Council on Alcohol announce long-term partnership
( Oxford University Press ) Oxford University Press is pleased to announce that it has entered a new long-term collaboration with the Medical Council on Alcohol to jointly publish the journal Alcohol and Alcoholism.
Oxford University Press and Medical Council on Alcohol announce long-term partnership
01/20/2012
Downtoearthvideo.com Is Holding a “How To Beat Alcoholism” Opening Day
Downtoearthvideo.com is holding a “how to beat alcoholism” opening day in their offices. There are many people on the site looking forward to attending.Houston, TX. (PRWEB) January 20, 2012 Downtoearthvideo.com is about to hold a “how to beat alcoholism” opening day for their readers next month. People who are struggling with an alcohol addiction can check stop by their offices and gain some ...
Downtoearthvideo.com Is Holding a “How To Beat Alcoholism” Opening Day
01/20/2012
Downtoearthvideo.com Is Holding a “How To Beat Alcoholism” Opening Day
Downtoearthvideo.com is holding a “how to beat alcoholism” opening day in their offices. There are many people on the site looking forward to attending.Houston, TX. (PRWEB) January 20, 2012 Downtoearthvideo.com is about to hold a “how to beat alcoholism” opening day for their readers next month. People who are struggling with an alcohol addiction can check stop by their offices and gain some ...
Downtoearthvideo.com Is Holding a “How To Beat Alcoholism” Opening Day
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