Alcoholism
Alcoholism is defined as an individual’s consumption of alcoholic beverages that results in problems affecting his or her well-being and health. Alcohol abuse is one of the major social problems in the United States that needs to be addressed as a public policy. Many people do not know they have an addiction or have abused alcohol. This often means they failed to get needed treatment or help and often do not realize how the problem is affecting their lifestyle.
According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, about 18 million people in the
United States abuse alcohol, and estimates suggest that more than 70 million Americans have dealt with alcoholism in their family. Alcohol is involved in almost half of all traffic …show more content…
Another strong and positive behavior is to prevent problems by anticipating the effects of excessive drinking. As an example: Arranging for a responsible driver, calling for a cab service, and having him or her stay overnight.
Many people do not know they have an addiction or have abused alcohol. An article on the
New York Times talks about High Functioning Alcoholics also known as HFA. “The story of the
H.F.A. is seldom told,” Ms. Benton writes, “for it is not one of obvious tragedy, but that of silent suffering.”(Brody) The problem is that many people believe that the measure of their success does not equate to their reason to worry about drinking. Pete Hamill writer of, “A drinking life” states that “It was part of living, one of the rewards.” (Brody)
Another problem identifying HFA is that they often do not meet the requirement for alcoholism because they have good jobs, function individuals in society and does not get caught.
As Dr. Mark L. Willenbring of the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism put it in
Ms. Benton’s book: “People can be dependent and not have abuse problems at all. …show more content…
Socially and Environmentally, Binge Drinking and getting drunk are endorsed and embraced by society via means of mass media as a social norm and should be replicated to be accepted by peers/others to socialize. Alcoholism is being used as an excuse to interact among friends, family, and co-workers after work or on the weekends.
Politically, I don’t think government officials can really do anything unless they ban all alcohol all together like in the 20’s. The government cannot tell people not to drink but can suggest otherwise.
Economically, Alcohol brings business to everyone. Major alcohol companies make money by selling to local bars and clubs across the country. Those very same bars inflate prices to make their profits.
Drinking is not being advocated responsibly. The media has placed infomercials about drinking responsibly but is rarely followed and implemented among people we love. The application of responsibility should be led by example rather than just stated. Various States have enforced the no drinking and driving rule. But this does not prevent people from making poor decisions after having too much.
Like everything else, I believe that friends, family, and co-workers should
Alcoholism is defined as an individual’s consumption of alcoholic beverages that results in problems affecting his or her well-being and health. Alcohol abuse is one of the major social problems in the United States that needs to be addressed as a public policy. Many people do not know they have an addiction or have abused alcohol. This often means they failed to get needed treatment or help and often do not realize how the problem is affecting their lifestyle.
According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, about 18 million people in the
United States abuse alcohol, and estimates suggest that more than 70 million Americans have dealt with alcoholism in their family. Alcohol is involved in almost half of all traffic …show more content…
Another strong and positive behavior is to prevent problems by anticipating the effects of excessive drinking. As an example: Arranging for a responsible driver, calling for a cab service, and having him or her stay overnight.
Many people do not know they have an addiction or have abused alcohol. An article on the
New York Times talks about High Functioning Alcoholics also known as HFA. “The story of the
H.F.A. is seldom told,” Ms. Benton writes, “for it is not one of obvious tragedy, but that of silent suffering.”(Brody) The problem is that many people believe that the measure of their success does not equate to their reason to worry about drinking. Pete Hamill writer of, “A drinking life” states that “It was part of living, one of the rewards.” (Brody)
Another problem identifying HFA is that they often do not meet the requirement for alcoholism because they have good jobs, function individuals in society and does not get caught.
As Dr. Mark L. Willenbring of the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism put it in
Ms. Benton’s book: “People can be dependent and not have abuse problems at all. …show more content…
Socially and Environmentally, Binge Drinking and getting drunk are endorsed and embraced by society via means of mass media as a social norm and should be replicated to be accepted by peers/others to socialize. Alcoholism is being used as an excuse to interact among friends, family, and co-workers after work or on the weekends.
Politically, I don’t think government officials can really do anything unless they ban all alcohol all together like in the 20’s. The government cannot tell people not to drink but can suggest otherwise.
Economically, Alcohol brings business to everyone. Major alcohol companies make money by selling to local bars and clubs across the country. Those very same bars inflate prices to make their profits.
Drinking is not being advocated responsibly. The media has placed infomercials about drinking responsibly but is rarely followed and implemented among people we love. The application of responsibility should be led by example rather than just stated. Various States have enforced the no drinking and driving rule. But this does not prevent people from making poor decisions after having too much.
Like everything else, I believe that friends, family, and co-workers should