...ALCOHOLISM IN AMERICAN FAMILIES Introduction America is becoming a nation of alcoholics. Harford (2006) assert that in the contemporary American society alcoholism affect 1 in every 3 people. With the increasing pressure of life, many people have turned to alcohol to relieve their daily stress leading to uncontrolled alcoholism in the society. As the basic unit of the society the family has been affected in the same way increased breakdown of families and neglect of children by alcoholic parents. Alcoholism has run deep in American families and children have been affected in a particular way. This paper will research on alcoholism and the effects it has on the life of the family. It will first define alcoholism and then look at how alcoholism runs in American families. Later it will look at children of alcoholics. What is alcoholism? According to Harford (2006) Alcoholism can be defined as drinking of alcohol to an extent that it interference with individual physical and mental health and their ability to perform their duties and responsibility and to live with the rest to the society and family members. Alcoholism is a disease condition which result from excessive consumption of alcoholic beverage. According to Silverstein (1990) there are three distinct features which are used to diagnose the condition according to American Psychiatrist Association. The three criteria include: i) Physiological problem including hand tremors or blackouts ii) Psychological problem...
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...Alcoholism: A Social Problem Alcoholism is widely viewed as a major social problem due to its diverse effects that not only impact on an individual drinker, but also on the society as a whole. This is particularly because the damaging effects of alcoholism are directly linked to many social evils which may affect individuals otherwise not related to the drinker. According to Wells and Graham (34), the society normally pays a heavy price for alcoholism in the form of traffic accidents, family or domestic problems, health issues and medical expenses and interpersonal violence. One of the major social consequences of alcoholism is its potential negative impacts on the family. Studies suggest that alcoholism is behind a significantly high percentage of the instances of domestic violence including physical or verbal abuse of spouses or children, and is responsible for the break up of many marriages. For example, intoxicated events can have lasting consequences in the family through domestic violence. In addition, money spent on buying alcohol particularly by heavy drinkers may divert scant economic resources that could have otherwise been used for the benefit of the family. It is also worth noting that children living in the family with an alcoholic normally have higher rates of depression, lower grades and frequently feel socially isolated. Another important damaging effect of alcoholism to the society is related to its link with higher rates of violent crime and conflicts in...
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...Seeing Poe’s Struggle with Alcoholism through his Stories “The Cask of Amontillado” and “The Black Cat” Jen Andalou Edgar Allen Poe’s stories “The Black Cat” and “The Cask of Amontillado” are among his most popular. Both of these stories can be read on several different levels causing everyone who reads them to come up with a totally different interpretations, yet none of the interpretations I have read seem satisfying. The two stories at first seem simple enough, with “The Black Cat” reading as a darker version of “The Telltale Heart”, this time with the conscience given a physical form, and “The Cask of Amontillado” as a chilling tale of revenge exacted told as a deathbed confession. Yet these simple interpretations leave too many questions. Many reviewers unfairly single Poe’s works out as coming directly from his subconscious, ignoring not only how carefully Poe chose his words and phrases but also the sources that inspired the stories (E A Poe Society, “Autobiography”). That being said, I think Poe did deliberately use his stories as a kind of self-therapy thus revealing at least a little about himself. A large constant in Poe’s life was his fight with alcohol, which made itself known in his writing in many ways. The main theme of Edgar Allen Poe’s stories “The Black Cat” and “The Cask of Amontillado” centers on the narrators’ attempts to wall off, or suppress, his alcoholism, with the narrator succeeding over alcoholism in “The Cask of Amontillado”...
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... Alcoholics Anonymous: The Reality If ever you find yourself in fear of alcoholism, you then become tasked with finding a way out of the downward spiral that your life has or will become. There are many programs and rehabilitation strategies that have claimed to have a great benefit against alcoholism. Being an alcoholic used to be a war that you fought alone, but after attending an Alcoholics Anonymous meeting, I now know that group support can be a great benefit towards the battle to sobriety. At Alcoholics Anonymous, you no longer need to be afraid of fighting alcoholism alone and in the dark. The ideals that the program upholds hold the keys to helping you get back to who you need and deserve to be. What is Alcoholics Anonymous Alcoholics Anonymous is a recovery program that focuses on one prime objective. The group has no leader or governmental structure. They are not looking to sway you to a certain religious purpose or any political stance. Alcoholics Anonymous’ primary purpose is to help others with a problem with alcoholism to get sober. Alcoholics Anonymous began in Akron, Ohio in 1935. At this time there were only two men with a brand new idea. These two men were problematic alcoholics and found that helping others get sober helped them stay sober. After four years of helping and encouraging more and more to get sober, the nameless society grew and released its first publication, Alcoholics Anonymous. Since then, with the help of many friends...
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...March 2013 Alcoholics Anonymous the Truth about Alcoholism Alcoholism is the addiction to consuming alcoholic drinks. Just like any other addiction it is fostered by the regular consumption of alcohol. It is not wrong to have an occasional drink in a social event or to have a little wine with dinner but when it reaches to the point where the individual cannot go a day without alcohol in his system then there is a problem. Alcohol is a drug like any other but it’s the most popular and accepted drug in the entire world. It is legal to citizens above eighteen years to drink alcohol and it is very accessible to even teenagers. Consumption of alcohol is not a new thing, it has been there for centuries and many new brands are being produced every year. However, those many years ago, our fore fathers knew the restrictions when it came to taking alcohol. They did not over do it and they consumed alcohol mainly during social events hence they did not become addicted to it. In our society today, any time is a good time to take alcohol. Teenagers, young adults, adults and even old people are all taking alcohol at an alarming rate. They are doing it oblivious to the fact that they can become addicted. Why are there so many alcoholics in the world today? How does it affect them and the people around them? What can be done to cure our society out of this vice? We answer all these questions today. Stress and depression leads to alcoholism. “Alcohol does not answer the question but it helps...
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...Alcoholism Jennifer Gruberman American Military University January 30, 2014 Abstract Alcoholism is a disease that is a major concern in the United States because alcoholics endanger themselves and society. Alcoholism follows a certain course with known physical, psychological and social symptoms. Once addicted, the alcoholic continues to consume alcohol despite the destructive cost. The definitions of an alcoholic, alcoholism, and alcohol abuse and alcohol dependence are constantly being refined and changing according to the purpose of the definition. An alcoholic can be typed by more than one set of criteria: genetic, habitual, and behavioral. All definitions of alcohol include the knowledge that the individual must have a preoccupation with the substance and use of the drug alcohol. In all cases, alcoholics must continue to use the substance even though they are aware that continued use of alcohol is harming them. The abuse of alcohol causes problems for all members of the family, and can be viewed as a public health problem as well. When the genetic component is present, the alcoholic individual exhibits other abnormal behavior and mental traits. These individuals find it difficult to abstain from the use of alcohol and even when sober exhibit difficulty with some mental tasks. On the other hand, alcoholics who have developed a dependence on alcohol through habitual usage, have less trouble becoming and remaining sober...
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...Alcoholism in Society SOC100 Introduction to Sociology Alcoholism in Society What are the causes, effects, and solutions of alcoholism in today’s society? Alcoholism is one of the most prevalent sociological issues facing people in today’s society. It really relates to the field of sociology as it studies how it affects people as a whole and how it affects their daily lives when interacting with others. The known causes of alcoholism are from various reasons such as problems, stress, pressure, culture, genetics, and psychology. Alcoholism is also caused by what people see others are doing such as commercials, movies, and television shows. Many people start drinking at a young age because of how their upbringing was and who they are hanging out with especially in school. A lot of students get such experience because of what they see in society and how it can become part of their life. This is where the early stages of alcoholism begin because when it starts at a young age, the tolerance to alcohol becomes very high and results in them having more drinks. It is socially accepted in some societies at parties and gatherings where people are expected to have a drink or two and sometimes ending up having more because of peer pressure and how people will think about them when they don’t have that drink. Another major factor causing alcoholism is the emotions that people are experiencing and how they deal with those emotions especially when it has enormous stress on a relationship...
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...Alcoholism in Society Jean Bricks SSCI210-1404B-05 October 5, 2014 ABSTRAT In using my sociological imagination, I will attempt to discuss the connection between an individual experience and the social impact of the social problem, alcoholism on the person and society. Experiencing alcoholism is in itself a terrible and frightening existence. First and foremost, the fact that alcohol is legal and readily available in society makes the onset of alcoholism more prominent, notwithstanding the fact that it is also promoted and advertised on a daily basis. Alcoholism can and will destroy your life, friendships, marriage and finances all in one fell swoop and in a very short period of time, depending on the individual. I have heard and often said myself that "I can handle it" or "it is under control" when in reality, alcoholism has handled and controlled me. Alcohol, in itself is a depressant, which relaxes you and more or less removes your inhibitions, letting you think or giving you the false illusion that you are in control when in fact, it has control. Being an alcoholic destroyed my life, left me with no self-esteem or self-worth. It is only by the grace of God and my will to overcome it that I am where I am today. My family did not want anything to do with me, I was basically an outcast. I had lost jobs, apartments and fell into a deep state of depression, which in turn prompted me to drink more. As far as society is concerned, well, personally...
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...Disease or Mental Disorder Society has come along way from believing that an individual drank into a drunken stage because they wanted to. People who were once called Drunkards, are now referred to as alcoholics, or alcohol dependents. E. M. Jellinek, one of the leading Post-Prohibition American pioneers on alcoholism, is credited widely with beginning the modern study of alcoholism as a disease. In 1946 he defined alcoholism broadly as any use of alcoholic beverages that causes any damage to the individual, to society, or both, and described a classification system of ‘subtypes’ of alcoholism ‘that range from non- progressive use (alpha) to chronic recurring inability to abstain from alcohol use (delta). Historically Jelinek took the stigma attached to alcohol addiction. He took alcoholism from being looked at as a bad habit, to being a concept of actual disease. He Studied groups of thousands in AA. And their behavioral patters. He categorized and defined the stages of alcoholism into these subtypes. Definition of alcoholism: any use of alcoholic beverages that causes any damage to the individual, to society, or both. Subtypes are: ALPHA:Use to relieve bodily or emotional pain; not progressive BETA:Heavy drinking (cultural, social) leading to heavy organ damage GAMMA:Tolerance; psychological dependence (craving); physical dependence (withdrawal); impaired control DELTA: Tolerance; psychological and physical dependence;...
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...that are been abused in large number and has become a major ill in our society. Alcohol destroys the lives of their victims in many ways. Alcoholism is the later stage after been addicted to alcohol but it can be recovered but it needs self discipline. Contents: Page: 1. Introduction……………………………………………………………. 3 1.1. Definition of alcohol…………………………………………………. 3 2.0. Effects of alcohol…………………………………………………….. 3 2.1. Healthy effects of alcohol……………………………………………. 4 2.2. Social effects of alcohol……………………………………………… 4 3.0. Alcoholism…………………………………………………………… 5 4.0. Causes of Alcoholism………………………………………………... 5 4.1. Social and Emotional causes of Alcoholism………………………… 6 5.0. Ways to recover from Alcoholism…………………………………… 6 6.0. Conclusion…………………………………………………………… 7 INTRODUCTION Drug abuse is an intense desire to obtain increasing amounts of a particular substance or substances to the exclusion of all other activities. According to WHO “Drug abuse has become a major ill in our society; it destroys the lives of their victims in many ways because these chemical substances are not intended to be introduced into the human body and as a result weakens the body system for instance the heart, lungs, liver, kidneys and brain are often damaged by heavy drug use and all of these organs are vital for life. Due to the broad case with drugs, I have chosen alcohol as an example of drugs been abused in the society. What is alcohol? According to Buddy. T, (march, 2011) Alcohol is a...
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...ALCOHOLISM IN HUMAN DEVELOPMENT. 1 Alcoholism in Human Development Travis Ortiz University of Phoenix BSHS/325 Instructor: Merianne Bernaldo Alcoholism in Human Development. 2 Introduction Alcoholism plays a huge part in our society; this paper will discuss the links that alcohol has on the brain as well as the biological, psychological and social development in alcoholics. Where they may fit in and to what groups. Cultural differences and the expectation those cultures may see the alcoholic and their choice to receive help. How the social worker knowing and understanding cultural differences will help to supply the alcoholic with the proper treatment. I will discuss how the environment with witch the alcoholic lives has a direct affect on them becoming alcoholics. How a general system theory can help the alcoholic to achieve sobriety and accepted back into the social order. A good example of this will be discussed through the program of Alcoholics Anonymous. Background When trying to understand how an alcoholic thinks we first discuss the affects it has on the human brain. The prefrontal cortex, considered...
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...Alcoholism In today’s society, alcoholism is quickly becoming a menace. It is a disease that is affecting people of all ages, but has been observed to be rampant in the younger generation. Continued abuse of alcohol can have adverse effects on one’s physical, mental, emotional and spiritual health as well as other undesirable effects to the community. One risks dangers such as irreversible damage to crucial organs and body systems, for example, one risks liver and heart failure in addition to a compromised brain, nervous system, and stomach. Alcoholism also has severe consequences to one's social life. It can lead to cases of domestic violence, loss of employment, marital conflicts, and isolation from family and friends. In order to control alcohol abuse, we have to be able to recognize the symptoms of alcoholism. By knowing them, we can quickly identify an alcoholic and take the necessary steps forward. Physical symptoms are the most obvious. They include incoherent speech, poor balance, delayed reflexes, blackouts or loss of consciousness, persistent stomach pains, nausea and vomiting, and redness of the face during and after periods of heavy consumption (Littrell, 2014). Increased abuse of alcohol results to more serious medical symptoms, which include expression of anger and other emotions especially in inappropriate places, participating in risky activities that have serious health financial and legal consequences, neglecting family and professional obligations, insomnia...
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...Alcoholism One of the major problems in society is alcoholism. The effects of this disease are very dangerous and serious. It can cause many problems in a person’s life without the person even knowing. I will discuss the physical, psychological, and emotional effects of alcoholism and what causes it to happen. The first effect of alcoholism are physical. These are the most important because these can cause your death. Alcoholism causes cancer in the stomach, kidneys, and liver. Besides, alcohol alters the digestion of nutrients that the body needs to stay healthy. Alcoholism also causes severe damage in the neurons, so it causes alterations in the body movements, loss of appetite, and depression. All these physical consequences could cause your death if you drink alcohol in mass quantities. Losing your life or poisoning it is not worth the joy of drinking. The second effect caused by alcoholism are psychological. At the beginning, alcohol makes you feel relaxed, but if you drink it in excess, it increases anxiety and causes depression. It also causes family and legal problems, violence, changes of behavior, suicide among others. Alcohol is very powerful and alters all your normal behaviors. Many people believe that they can handle their drinking and that it won’t affect them at all. For some this may be true, but for others it is a cover up for what can really happen. Since alcohol alters the perception of most people, they make decisions that could change the rest of...
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...Impact of Alcoholism To some people, drinking alcohol could seem to be a part of a fun night. Some individuals may struggle with the addiction of alcohol. Alcoholism can affect relationships, one’s career, and other things that can make one’s life fulfilling. One that is addicted to alcohol may be afraid to get help because of the stigma that has been associated to the admitting that he or she is addicted to alcohol. In order for one to learn about alcohol, one should learn about the history of addiction, the DSM-5 criteria for the diagnosis of an alcoholism, and how the addiction affects all aspects of one’s life. Impact of History upon Addiction Theory and Treatment Alcohol has been a part of history for a long period of time. From...
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...How many times have you heard about the consequences of alcoholism? Have you taken them into account? Alcoholism is one of the major problems in society. The effects of this disease are really serious. Many people get used to drink alcohol , and they can easily abuse; that is the problem. The purpose of this essay is to discuss the physical, psychological, and economic effects of alcoholism. The first effects of alcoholism are physical. These are the most important because these can cause your death. For example, alcoholism causes cancer in the stomach, kidneys, and liver. Besides, alcohol alters the digestion of nutrients that the body needs to stay healthy. Alcoholism also causes severe damage in the neurons, so it causes alterations in the body movements, loss of appetite, and depression. There are other effects in the body like gastritis and cirrhosis of the liver. All these physical consequences could cause your death if you drink alcohol in mass quantities. The second effects caused by alcoholism are psychological. At the beginning, alcohol makes you feel relaxed, but if you drink it in excess, it increases anxiety and causes depression. It also causes family and legal problems, violence, changes of behavior, suicide, among others. Alcohol is very powerful and alters all your normal behaviors. The third effects of alcoholism are economic. According to the National Institute and Drug Abuse, drug abuse and dependence cost an estimated $98 billion. Alcohol is not cheap....
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