Alcoholism In The Glass Castle By Jeannette Walls

In 2022, 29.5 million people ages 12 and older struggled with alcoholism that year, 753,000 of whom were ages 12 to 17 ("Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) in the United States: Age Groups and Demographic Characteristics"). Alcoholism, commonly known as AUD, is a disorder relating to uncontrollable drinking patterns and alcohol dependence. People struggling with alcoholism may find themselves drinking instead of focusing on individual responsibilities and needing to consume more alcohol to get the same feeling they once had after a single drink. They often develop poor budgeting skills due to spending too much of their income on alcohol and craving alcohol in environments where it is not present, such as workplaces or gatherings (Hampton). People drink …show more content…
While alcohol is not a solution to any of these problems since its effects are short-lived, alcohol can change people's emotions instantly, causing them to become dependent. Alcoholism also affects people regardless of their background, education, ethnicity, gender, faith, or health. In the case of Jeannette Walls, who inspired this research with her book The Glass Castle, her father, Rex Walls, was a clever and innovative electrician and engineer who started drinking after the death of his second-born child (Walls 28). However, his alcohol abuse not only affected his mental state, it even altered those around him, especially his kids, who were traumatized by his abuse, anger issues, and neglect and had unique childhood experiences due to him adjusting their perspectives of the world. Likewise, his alcohol addiction damaged his relationship with his wife and their family dynamics. These same results are widespread in many families with alcoholics who only look forward to their next opportunity to drink. When alcohol becomes an all-consuming presence in someone's life, it impacts many aspects of their world, including their environment, mental and physical health, and relationships with