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Alcoholism a Serious Disease

Uploaded by van1llag0rilla on May 01, 2007

During college years it is very common, if not habitual for students to consume alcohol on the weekends and sometimes during the week. Because alcohol is so readily available and usually present at every college party, drinking becomes “the thing to do”. Social drinking on the weekends is one thing, but many take it much farther than that. Some students look to get wasted or belligerently intoxicated. When students get into the habit of abusing alcohol to get drunk on a consistent basis this becomes a problem, and the disease known as alcoholism can develop. As a college student it becomes clear to me that some of my peers and acquaintances are developing signs of abusive drinking and in some cases signs of alcoholism have already begun to set in. Because of these reasons, I am curious to find out what alcoholism is, the signs and symptoms of alcoholism, possible causes, risk factors leading to alcoholism, screening and diagnosis, possible treatments, and how to avoid becoming an alcoholic. Gaining knowledge about this topic is important to me because of my connection with people who are family members of alcoholics, as well as individuals who may be potential alcoholics.
Alcoholism can be defined as an addiction to the consumption to alcoholic liquor or the mental illness and compulsive behavior resulting from physical dependence of alcohol (dictionary.com). Because it is a physical dependence, and affects the brain, alcoholism is a very difficult illness to be cured of. What ultimately triggers the onset of alcoholism in the brain is debated; the fact of the matter is it is onset in terms of the drinkers relationship with alcohol. According to collegedrinkingprevention.gov use, misuse, heavy use, abuse, addiction and dependence are the common labels used to describe drinking habits. Use refers to simple use alcohol; an individual who drinks any alcoholic beverage is using alcohol. Misuse, heavy use, and problem use suggest consumption of alcohol beyond the point where it causes physical, social, or moral harm to the individual. Abuse and dependence are defined as a preoccupation with the consumption of alcohol, and a physical desire to consume alcohol. In addition to these levels of alcohol use and misuse, there are four symptoms described by collegedrinkingprevention.gov, these are craving; a strong need, or urge to drink, loss of control; not being able to stop drinking once drinking has begun, physical dependence; withdrawal symptoms, such...

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Uploaded by:   van1llag0rilla

Date:   05/01/2007

Category:   Psychology

Length:   9 pages (2,009 words)

Views:   8676

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