Alcoholism A Growing Problem - 1468 Words

Alcoholism Alcoholism is a growing problem in today s society. What is alcoholism? Is it a disease? What are the causes of it? What toll does alcohol abuse have on individuals? American society? American economy? What kind of treatments are available to reduce/cure alcoholism? What is alcoholism? Alcoholism is a physical or psychological need for an alcoholic beverage, which is taken for non-medical reasons and produces a noticeable effect on the body (Sheen 93). People develop the need for alcohol for many different reasons. For a lot of people, those reasons are caused by friends/family. Some people think they need alcohol to fit in with their friends. Others think they need it to deal with family problems such as violent or careless†¦show more content†¦Alcohol abuse and alcohol dependence are not the same thing. †¢ â€Å"With abuse, a person uses alcohol in excess but may not have regular cravings, a need to use daily, or withdrawal symptoms during sudden stoppage. The person may often have heavy alcohol binge episodes separated by periods of not drinking. †¢ If a person is dependent on alcohol, he or she needs to drink regularly or even daily and drink more and more to get the same effects. The person also experiences withdrawal symptoms if he or she stops drinking and wants to quit drinking alcohol but can t† (http://www.webmd.com/mental-health/addiction/understanding-alcohol-abuse-symptoms). What are symptoms of Alcohol abuse? There are many symptoms of alcohol abuse including: †¢ â€Å"Temporary blackouts or memory loss. †¢ Recurrent arguments or fights with family members or friends as well as irritability, depression, or mood swings. †¢ Continuing use of alcohol to relax, to cheer up, to sleep, to deal with problems, or to feel normal. †¢ Headache, anxiety, insomnia, nausea, or other unpleasant symptoms when you stop drinking. †¢ Flushed skin and broken capillaries on the face; a husky voice; trembling hands; bloody or black/tarry stools or vomiting blood; chronic diarrhea; and drinking alone, in the mornings, or in secret; these symptoms are specifically associated with alcoholism.† (http://www.webmd.com/mental-health/addiction/understanding-alcohol-abuse-symptoms). â€Å"What are