Alcohol a natural product of fermentation, is the most widely used of all drugs. It has been a part of American culture since Europeans settled on this continent. Colonial America called it "The good creature of God" as well as "demon rum" (pg62 Osheim) this dual perception is probably why we accept it today. Alcohol a depressant affects our minds in such ways as removing our inhibitions, judgement, and causing blackouts when taken in large quanties. "Five ounces of wine, 12 ounces of beer, and 1.5 ounces of 80 proof spirits put the same amount of pure alcohol in the blood stream (1/2 to 2/3 ounce)(pg147 Robbins). Every cell in the body can absorb alcohol from the blood. Of the short-term effects none is more dramatic than those on the central nervous system are. "At first the drinker gets a feeling of ease and exhilaration, usually short lived. As the BAC rises jud

"Half of pedestrians killed by cars have elevated blood alcohol levels. At some time in their lives 40% of all Americans will be involved in an alcohol related car crash."(Internet). As you can see the risks that are involved for people that are not even heavy drinkers or alcoholics, alcohol can effect anybody anywhere. Income level does not effect alcohol consumption. Alcohol use in 21-34 is the age group where people drink the most. College students 98% drink, and many engage in what is known as beige drinking which is having 5 to 6 drinks at a setting. These beige-drinking sessions can cause some problems such as 40% academic problems, 28% alcohol related dropouts, and not to mention in 90% of all rapes alcohol is involved. Alcoholism is a complex dis order that can effect the "genetic, psychosocial, and environmental influencing its development and manifestations" (Internet). The disease is often progressive and fatal. Some alcoholics die of cirrhosis. Heredity plays a factor as well as genetics. Alcoholism

gement memory and sensory perception are all progressively impaired."(Pg150 Robbins) Wit

Some common words found in the essay are:
Robbins Half, Robbins Alcohol, Colonial America, , Iam Irish, alcohol related, alcohol consumption, central nervous system, heavy drinking, people drink, leading cause, central nervous, nervous system, alcohol blood, alcohol causes,
Approximate Word count = 752
Approximate Pages = 3 (250 words per page double spaced)