alcoholism :: essays research papers

For most people who assimilate, intoxi sack uptic drink is a pleasant accompaniment to social activities. Moderate alcohol useup to two drinks per day for men and one drink per day for women and older peopleis not harmful for most adults. (A standard drink is one 12-ounce bottle or feces of either beer or wine cooler, one 5-ounce glass of wine, or 1.5 ounces of 80-proof distilled spirits.) Nonetheless, a large number of people overreach into serious trouble because of their drinking. Currently, nearly 14 gazillion Americans1 in every 13 adultsabuse alcohol or are alcoholic. Several million more adults engage in risky drinking that could lead to alcohol problems. These patterns include binge drinking and heavy drinking on a fix basis. In addition, 53 percent of men and women in the United States report that one or more of their close relatives have a drinking problem. The consequences of alcohol misuse are seriousin many cases, life threatening. hefty drinking can increase t he risk for certain cancers, especially those of the liver, esophagus, throat, and larynx (voice box). Heavy drinking can also cause liver cirrhosis, immune system problems, brain damage, and harm to the fetus during pregnancy. In addition, drinking increases the risk of death from travel crashes as well as recreational and on-the-job injuries. Furthermore, both homicides and suicides are more likely to be committed by persons who have been drinking. In stringently economic terms, alcohol-related problems cost society approximately $185 billion per year. In human terms, the costs cannot be calculated. Many people wonder why some individuals can use alcohol without problems but others cannot. One important reason has to do with genetics. Scientists have found that having an alcoholic family member makes it more likely that if you choose to drink you too may develop alcoholism. Genes, however, are not the whole story. In fact, scientists now believe that certain factors in a person s surround influence whether a person with a genetic risk for alcoholism ever develops the disease. A persons risk for developing alcoholism can increase based on the persons environment, including where and how he or she lives family, friends, and culture peer pressure and even how easy it is to get alcohol. Any concerns you may have about discussing drinking-related problems with your health care provider may stem from common misconceptions about alcoholism and alcoholic people.