"What are the facts about alcoholism?" Recent studies have shown that 50 to 80% of all alcoholics have close relatives that are alcoholics as well. Because of this staggering figure researchers have begun to suspect that there may be a defect in a person's genetic makeup that could cause alcoholism. In 1990 scientists finally found what they believe to be responsible for the inheritance of alcoholism in family lines. The defective gene is located on chromosome 11 and is called Dopamine. Dopamine is a receptor located in the pleasure center of the brain; people with fewer dopamine receptors are very likely to develop alcoholism. This defect has been noted in many people with a family history of alcoholism. Some other scientists have been skeptical of these findings, but we now hav

"Can it start at an early age?" It is estimated that there are three million alcoholics between the ages of fourteen and seventeen today; this problem is continually growing and it has no intention of stopping. Not only is the drinking affecting the person, society must face it as well. An estimated forty to sixty billion dollars is spent annually due to medical care, car accidents, and alcohol related crimes.

Although these drugs and programs are extremely useful they do not always work. Disulfiram along with other anti-anxiety drugs are not guaranteed to work, and programs such as AA are wonderful resources to use but a person must kick the habit himself or herself, which sometimes proves to be impossible. Admitting that they have a problem and occasionally forcing themselves to go does not always work either.

"Where can people get help?" AA is a fellowship of men and women that gather daily to help each other maintain sobriety. Two men who began to help each other conquer their addictions started this foundation in 1935. Alcoholic's Anonymous is located in one hundred thirty countries with over two million members worldwide.

Although there is a large amount of evidence in favor of this genetic defect, people may drink heavily by their own choice. For example a person may be an alcoholic due to manic-depression. Liquor has been known to drown out feelings of despair and depression. For some it is sim

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Approximate Word count = 960
Approximate Pages = 4 (250 words per page double spaced)