Alcoholism: the world's oldest known drug
Ananthan Balachandran
ESL 408
March 6, 2013
Alcoholism
Alcohol may be the world 's oldest known drug. Since thousands of years ago, fermented grain, fruit juice and honey have been used to make alcohol (ethyl alcohol or ethanol). The production of products containing alcohol has become big business in today 's society and the consumption and abuse of alcohol has become a major public health problem. The history of alcohol can be traced all the way back to the Egyptians. In Egyptian burials, alcohol was used to help the dead’s journey to the afterlife – Narconon Drug Information Department. Alcoholism is a long-term disease when a person continues to drink, despite problems with physical health, mental health, and social, family or job responsibilities. Alcoholism is divided into 2 categories: dependence and abuse. People with alcohol dependence, the most severe alcohol disorder, normally experience tolerance and withdrawal. An alcohol dependent is a person who spends a great deal of time drinking alcohol, and obtaining it. People who are dependent on or abuse alcohol continue to drink it despite sign of physical or psychological problems. There are many causes, impacts and treatments for alcoholism. There is no known cause of alcoholism. Research suggests that certain genes may increase the risk of alcoholism. On the other hand, if a person is more likely to become alcohol dependent if he has depression or anxiety disorders. The person also could have easy access to alcohol and low self-esteem which cause the person to drink alcohol. Having problem with relationships or stressful lifestyles also can cause a person to drink alcohol. Maybe the person lives in a culture where alcohol use is more common and accepted without any problem. Besides, the impacts of alcoholism on society are terrible and far-reaching. The alcoholic will be isolated in the society due to their behavior. They will cause a lot of problem after consuming alcohol. The distance
ESL 408
March 6, 2013
Alcoholism
Alcohol may be the world 's oldest known drug. Since thousands of years ago, fermented grain, fruit juice and honey have been used to make alcohol (ethyl alcohol or ethanol). The production of products containing alcohol has become big business in today 's society and the consumption and abuse of alcohol has become a major public health problem. The history of alcohol can be traced all the way back to the Egyptians. In Egyptian burials, alcohol was used to help the dead’s journey to the afterlife – Narconon Drug Information Department. Alcoholism is a long-term disease when a person continues to drink, despite problems with physical health, mental health, and social, family or job responsibilities. Alcoholism is divided into 2 categories: dependence and abuse. People with alcohol dependence, the most severe alcohol disorder, normally experience tolerance and withdrawal. An alcohol dependent is a person who spends a great deal of time drinking alcohol, and obtaining it. People who are dependent on or abuse alcohol continue to drink it despite sign of physical or psychological problems. There are many causes, impacts and treatments for alcoholism. There is no known cause of alcoholism. Research suggests that certain genes may increase the risk of alcoholism. On the other hand, if a person is more likely to become alcohol dependent if he has depression or anxiety disorders. The person also could have easy access to alcohol and low self-esteem which cause the person to drink alcohol. Having problem with relationships or stressful lifestyles also can cause a person to drink alcohol. Maybe the person lives in a culture where alcohol use is more common and accepted without any problem. Besides, the impacts of alcoholism on society are terrible and far-reaching. The alcoholic will be isolated in the society due to their behavior. They will cause a lot of problem after consuming alcohol. The distance
References: (MLA) 1. Schuckit MA ,Journal of Studies on Alcohol, Sep2006, Vol. 67 Issue 5, p694-699, 6p, 2 Charts 2. “Record levels of alcohol illness”. BBC News, 30 June 2006. 12 Feb 2013 3. O 'Connor PG. Alcohol abuse and dependence. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007: chap 3