The Many Facets of Alcoholism

Introduction

Alcoholism has many faces and "It would seem that if alcohol is a vice, then virtue is unattractive, and if drinking is a malady, then good health alone is not enough to satisfy man" (qtd. in Stratton par. 1). These words imply that alcohol has always been man's companion as the history of alcohol dates back thousands of years ago. Moreover, people around the world drink alcoholic beverages even if a lot claimed of its harmful effects. As to many, the satisfaction given by a glass of beer or a shot of whiskey is something overwhelming and relieving- whatever the reason is, alcohol seemed a solution for everything.

Occasional drinking of alcoholic beverages is an accepted behavior while chronic drinking or alcoholism has caused public concern as the nature of its effects is causing many to suffer and lose tremendous amounts of money for treatments. In fact, alcohol abuse and dependence have been identified by the DSM- IV (APA 108-112). Alcohol dependence is manifested by tolerance, withdrawal, large amount of ingestion, inability to control the urge, and psychosocial malfunctions (APA 108- 109) while substance abuse is associated with failure to fulfill functions, recurrent use of substance even in harmful situations, legal problems related to alcohol use, and continued ingestion even when faced with social and interpersonal problems (APA 112).

On the other hand, many believed that alcohol will make one forget problems, overcome shyness in social situations, foster courage in stressful scenarios, and surpass insecurities, and even gain power through alcohol. In fact, advertisements portray these effects of alcohol and it seemed helpful. Nevertheless, the over all effects are forgotten as people continue to patronize companies that produce this magical drinks thus alcoholism persisted. Alcoholism has many faces and the social, psychological, and physical aspects associated with it though viewed differently; as well as the treatments to combat it must be instituted.

Alcoholism and Society