Understanding Alcoholism

             Alcoholism has been a problem throughout the history of humanity, a disease which has caused many people to be overcome with burdens, problems, and debts. Alcoholism is a term that is widely recognized throughout the United States and the World. Alcoholism is a chronic disease, progressive and often fatal; it is a disorder and not due to other diseases or emotional problems. .

             Many scientists have tried to define what Alcoholism is, and what this disease may be rooted from. Some people would argue that alcoholism is simply the over-consumption of alcohol, this statement is only somewhat true. An alcoholic is a person who relies on alcohol as a medium to help him or her deal with physical, emotional, or spiritual needs. .

             To understand alcoholism, it must first be understood what this affliction is dependent on. Alcohol is a substance that is made by the fermentation of fruits, grains, or miscellaneous other organic materials. The chemical, alcohol, is a depressant and acts on every cell in the human body. Due to this, the central nervous system, along with the pleasure centers of the brain, are affected resulting in a feeling of euphoria and a sense of well being. After repeated exposure, the brain becomes dependent on this drug to unburden itself whenever it feels the compulsion. Several factors that contribute to alcoholism are the individual"s psychology, genetics, culture, and the individual"s response to physical pain. .

             In order to understand alcoholism, we must first define what scientists classify alcoholism to be. Moderate drinkers drink equal to at least two drinks a day. An at-risk person for alcoholism will drink more than fourteen drinks a week or four drinks in one sitting. An individual who suffers from alcohol abuse would display one of the above mentioned behaviors for a period of a year or more and show typical symptoms such as: failure to fulfill work or personal obligations, recurrent use in potentially dangerous situations, problems with the law and continued alcohol use in spite of the harm that is being expressed to social or personal relationships.

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