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Alcoholism
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Alcoholism is a disease that affects a person’s mind and body. Although alcoholism is a fatal illness, it does not receive the same type of acceptance as other diseases like cancer or other types of mental illnesses. For people who become alcoholics, the desire to drink feels as much as a necessity as sleeping or eating. Because alcoholism is a progressive disease, as the drinking becomes worse, so do the consequences. In most cases, the true alcoholic, although able to comprehend these negative effects, is not able to stop drinking for any considerable length of time. All alcoholics, no matter what their length of sobriety, run the risk of relapsing if they do not consistently treat their disease.
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Alcoholism is a type of drug addiction. There is both physical and psychological dependence with this addiction. Physical dependence reveals itself by withdrawal symptoms when alcohol intake is interrupted, tolerance to the effects of alcohol, and evidence of alcohol-associated illnesses. Alcohol affects the central nervous system as a depressant, resulting in a decrease of activity, anxiety, tension, and inhibitions. Even a few drinks can result in behavioral changes, a slowing in motor performance, and a decrease in the ability to think clearly. Concentration and judgment become impaired.
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Alcoholism ... has negative effects on the spouse of an alcoholic. The spouse may have feelings of hatred, self-pity, avoidance of social contacts, may suffer exhaustion and become physically or mentally ill (Berger, 1993).Very often the spouse has to perform the roles of both parents. Family responsibilities shift from two parents to one parent. As a result, the non-alcoholic parent may be inconsistent, demanding, and often neglect the children. Having financial difficulties is another issue that families of alcoholics have to deal with. The family may have to give up certain privileges because of the large amount of money spent on alcohol and also possible joblessness.
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According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, nearly18 million adult Americans have alcoholism or abuse alcohol. Several million more engage in risky drinking patterns that could lead to the development of alcoholism. Some risk factors for alcoholism include having a family history of alcoholism, being male and having a mental health disorder, such as depression.
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Alcoholism holds its roots deep in society. It is a disease that culminates from the regular societal functioning and forces its impact back on the entire community. The modern style etiquettes have subtly given an entry to alcoholism and ... have accepted the means to the downfall. An alcoholic is not just harmful for his own well being, but the disastrous impact is felt by all alike. Increasing instance of crime, domestic violence, repetitive offenses, workplace fraud, and violence are all by-products of this habit that has been somehow welcomed in the modern culture. Categorized initially as a bad habit, it is now a compulsion if one intends to move up.
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Alcoholism is a relatively common disease although it is not normally talked about. Many people still believe, despite contrary evidence, that alcoholism is a disease that only the “man on skid row” suffers from. In reality, alcoholism does not discriminate; it affects people of all ages, backgrounds, races and classes. Having alcoholism does not mean that a person is morally weak, but rather that he/she has lost the power of choice in regards to alcohol. The initial symptoms of alcoholism can begin manifesting in early adolescent years and because alcoholism is a progressive disease, the symptoms only get worse.
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Alcoholism