Alcohol Abuse And Family Essay

The effects of alcohol abuse vary from person to person, but the devastation of this chronic disease can have a permanent effect on family and friends. It is reported that alcoholism can have devastating effects on the body and physiological issues can also arise from this problem, but it can be treated for people willing to better themselves. Alcoholism, also known as alcohol dependence, is a common disorder. Lifetime prevalence rates vary widely according to the methodology used, but probably close to 10% of the U.S. population is affected (Alcoholism and Alcohol Abuse). Personally, many members of my family, to include extended family, have suffered from this affliction resulting in several deaths and conditions which required several …show more content…
Alcoholism, which declined, is characterized by compulsive drinking, preoccupation with drinking and tolerance to alcohol. Many heavy drinkers do not have alcohol-related problems yet and can reduce their risk of harm by cutting back. For the nearly 18 million Americans who have alcoholism or related problems, however, it’s safest to quit ("Rethinking Drinking Alcohol and Your Health " 3). There are several signs and symptoms of alcoholism that many people are not aware of. Being unable to limit the amount of alcohol you drink, gulping drinks or ordering doubles to become drunk intentionally to feel good or normal, and having legal problems or problems with relationships, employment or finances due to drinking are indicators that an individual suffers from this disease. Binge drinking is also a symptom of alcoholism that many people are not aware of. Personally, there have been plenty experiences where I have indulged in binge drinking but didn’t think it was an issue. However, when it happens frequently without concern to the individual affected is when it may be too