English-Alcoholism research report Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

English-Alcoholism research report - Essay Example Alcohol dependence has been subject-matter of widespread studies from medical, social, and psychological angles. Traditionally, a host of stereotypes have developed around alcoholism spanning different ages, societies and cultures. There is hardly any part of the world that has not undergone the negative effects of alcohol abuse but the worst affected are the victim, his or dependant and non-dependant family members, children, colleagues and friends. Understandably, the conventional wisdom accepts alcohol but shuns alcoholism. Though ‘alcohol-intake’ is strictly forbidden in the Muslim, and to some extent in, Hindu and Buddhist societies, however, it can’t be construed that the cultures that view alcohol with permissiveness endorse alcoholism. The town drunkard is subject to ridicule, pity and despicability anywhere in the world. It is pertinent to define Alcoholism from scientific point of view before we discuss its devastating personal and social circumstances National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) brochure cited at About.com defines Alcohol Dependence Syndrome as a disease characterized by craving, loss of control, physical dependence, and tolerance. Simply put an alcoholic shows a compulsion to drink, which he or she is unable to resist. In case, it is resisted there are withdrawal symptoms and amount of alcohol for getting a higher ‘high’ keeps on increasing. Alcohol abuse is a pattern of problem drinking resulting violence, accidents and alcoholism is the disease that makes the patient seek alcohol continually (NIAAA, 2003, cited at Healthatoz.com). Consequences: The most common consequence of Alcoholism is self-destruction through the loss of health, wealth and social respect. â€Å"Alcoholism is a lethal illness† (AMSP, Slide 4). Often the victim doesn’t get the kind of familial, societal or governmental help to alleviate him/her from the dependence syndrome as it is regarded as self-inflicted problem. We