Alcohol Abuse

Alcohol Abuse

Introduction

Alcohol abuse is a major social problem in our country. Alcohol abuse is defined as any condition which results in continued consumption of alcoholic beverages despite health problems and negative social consequences of it's use. Alcoholism is considered by many to be a disease which needs medical treatment.

Major Discussion

It is estimated by the World Health Organization that 140 million people throughout the world suffer from alcohol dependence. The primary effect of alcoholism is to encourage the drinker to drink at times and in amounts that are damaging to their bodies and to society as a whole. The physical effects of alcohol abuse include cirrhosis of the liver, pancreatitis, epilepsy, polyneuropathy, alcoholic dementia, heart disease, increased chance of cancer, nutritional deficiencies, sexual dysfunction, and death (Anonymous, 2007).

These adverse physical consequences of alcohol abuse do not only harm the user, but those around him/her. These illnesses can result in loss of jobs because the user is unable to work. This would put a financial strain on themselves and their families which could result in homelessness (Anonymouse, 2007). Even if the abuser does not develop these problems they could still face financial reprucussions. Abusing alcohol at work will also result in unemployment and financial hardship.

Alcoholics also often suffer from behavioral changes which can result in problems with their social relationships including with friends, spouses, and children (Anonymous, 2007). These problems with social interactions within the family can often times results in divorce and domestic violence. This often results in single parent homes, which places a large financial burden on the parent that is left with the children.

The most visible social consequence of alcohol abuse is drunk driving. It is illegal in the United States to operate a motor vehicle if your blood alcohol content