Archive for 25. April 2009

Tyler Ryan (FGCU) Alcoholism

Alcoholism is a major social problem that is crippling families all over the country. Becoming an alcoholic not only affects the person who is drinking, but the people whom the drinker interacts with as well. Alcoholism is responsible for destroying many marraiges, not only financially but emotionally as well. When a person becomes an alcoholic, their whole outlook on life changes. Soon enough, all they care about is getting their booze and it is tearing apart families all over. It is said  that twenty percent of adults grew up with a family member that had or still has an alcohol problem. This puts the family at a huge disadvantage and opens the doors to other substance abuses. And children who grow up with a parent who uses alcohol are at risk of also becoming and alcoholic or experimenting with other substances. Children of alcoholic families are often susceptible to emotional issues such as depression, relationship problems, and guilt.

Alcoholics can also have additional problems that grow from  the alcohol issue. Alcohol use can lead to drugs that are harmful to the body and can have damaging or even fatal effects on the body. Drugs, both prescription and illegal, may cause a synergistic effect in which the overall whole effect of the combined substances is greater than the sum of the parts. This, of course, can have devastating, even fatal, consequences. Psychological problems ranging from depression to schizophrenia and depression are some psychological problems that are related to alcohol abuse. 

Alcoholism not only affects the family but is a problem for the community as well. Alcohol is one of the leading causes of car accidents and injuries all across the country. Alcohol related car accidents are prevalent mainly among teens and young adults, which make up for the majority of accident related deaths.

All of this just goes to show you that alcoholism is a major social problem that our society is facing today. It doesnt just affect the drinker, but the family of the drinker, and the community as well.