alcoholism
Alcoholism is the chronic and usually progressive illness involving the excessive inappropriate ingestion of ethyl alcohol, whether in the form of familiar alcoholic beverages or as a constituent of either substance. It is thought to arise from a combination of a whole range of physiological, psychological, social and genetic factors. It is characterized by an emotional and often physical dependence on alcohol, and it frequently leads to brain damage or early death. Alcohol has direct toxic as well as sedative effects on the body. Some damages, for example, are persistent brain damage, nerve and muscle damage, liver damage, cerebovascular disease, gastrointestinal system damage, nutritional problem, heart and circulatory system damage, respiratory system damage and also reproductive system damage. Therefore, alcoholism can have as adverse effects as any other medical disease as AIDS or cancer. The similarity between all three of them is that, the precautions are given from before, but in case of alcoholism the resulting effects are not publicized as much. That is, awareness programs that are being spread in public these days, regarding cancer and AIDS is properly looked after and it is made sure that all the peopl
There is evidence that today's population of elderly people may be relatively heavier drinkers than previous generations. This could be the result of an effect whereby a generation, which has had its formative years at a time of high social availability and acceptability of alcohol, may be more likely to retain the habit of drinking. Disruption of lifestyle such as retirement and decreased social activity, are thought to be some of the main contributory factors among people who develop a problem with drinking later in life. Isolation and loneliness in old age can lead to increased drinking. Coming to terms with illness and pain which might accompany old age can mean that people use or start to use alcohol as an anaesthetic - this may also be seen as a way of justifying the drinking. People may use alcohol to help them sleep, especially if they are experiencing some sort of physical or emotional distress. However, although alcohol in small quantities may aid sleep, in larger quantities it can itself cause disturbed sleep patterns and wakefulness during the night. Alcohol depresses the brain function to a greater extent in older people, impairing co-ordination and memory, which can lead to falls and general confusion. It can also heighten emotions leading to moodiness, irritability or even violence. Alcohol in excess effects digestion, making it more difficult to absorb vitamins and minerals. Although alcohol is a brain sedative and promotes sleep, it actually reduces the amount of quality rapid eye movement (REM) sleep which we need to be fully rested and increases slow wave sleep. Like other people, the elderly may have recourse to alcohol and prescribed drugs to help them cope with stress, anxiety and depression. In fatal car accidents involving young men between 10pm and 4am, it is a contributory factor in 60% of the cases Research shows that alcohol is a major factor in 60-70% of homicides, 75% of stabbing, 70% of beatings and 50% of fights and domestic assaults. Around 30% of all drownings are estimated to be alcohol related. This proportion may rise to 50% in the 20-30 age group. Women are more likely than men to drink mainly at home with 52 % of women doing so compared to 35% of men. Many adverse effects of alcohol are common to men and women, but, in many cases, women may be at greater risk and there are some problems special to women.
Some common words found in the essay are:
Glasgow University, ALCOHOLISM Alcoholism, heavy drinking, system damage, adverse effects, heavy drinking women, alcohol related, violent offences, drinking women, women appear, alcoholism adverse effects, brain damage, total consumption, peoples' lives,
Approximate Word count = 1949
Approximate Pages = 8 (250 words per page double spaced)
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