ALCOHOLISM
ALCOHOLISM"It discloses secrets; ratifies and confirms our hopes; thrusts the coward forth to battle; eases the anxious mind of its burthen; instructs in arts. Whom has not a cheerful glass made eloquent! Whom not quite free and easy from pinching poverty!"
(Horace first century B.C.)
Initially, I wanted to write this paper on substance related disorders. However, in reading the text I felt compelled to focus on the psycological effects and problems that are related to alcoholism. With the media we are all too aware of the widespread dilemma that alcohol contributes to our current age. I am amazed that there were indeed alcoholics as far back as 3000 years before christ! Despite the pleasure and relaxation that alcohol can bring to some, it can also destroy others self-wort and integrity.
Alcohol affects virtually everyone, whether the individual is himself an alcoholic, is the family member of one, or has been the victim of an alcohol related crime. In spite of the dangers alcohol presents,it is still in countless social cirles. Alcohol penetraes all ages, educational, occupational, and socioeconomical boundaries.
Each year it is estimated that ten percent of all deaths are related to alcohol abuse. Am astonishing fifty percent of all major automobile accidents, and murders are associated with alcohol. On and on the statistics point to the enormous dangers of alcohol, yet it is a legalized drug.
As bleak as this problems seems to be on society as a whole, it is also rueful for the poor soul who is alcohol dependent. The life span of the alcoholic is about ten years shorter than the non-drinker. The lifetime prevalence for alcoholism in the United States is as high as fourteen percent. Taking these statements into consideration it is not difficult to believe that alcohol is ranked the third major cause of death in the United States. Not so suprising is the fact that approximately thirty seven percent of alcohol abusers suffer from at least one co-existing mental disorder. Two psychopathological conditions that have been linked to addictive disorders are depression, and antisocial personality. Schizophrenia, borderline personality, and anxiety disorders have also been connected with this diease.
This affliction is five times more...
To view the complete essay, you be registered.