Alcoholism – Essay 3

more predisposed to alcoholism than their counterparts who lack them (Bakalkin, 2008). This lends credence to the theory that alcoholism runs in families. Symptoms of Alcoholism: The most commonly used red-lights for identifying an alcoholic are categorized into alcohol-abuse symptoms and alcohol-dependence symptoms. Alcohol abuse symptoms include: Neglecting responsibilities at home, work or school due to drinking or drink- related issues such as hangovers, reaching or a drink every time as a way to relax or unwind, keeping on drinking even when it is causing problems in your family life and using alcohol in situations where it is physically dangerous such as drunk- driving, Alcohol-dependence symptoms include: Developing a high alcohol tolerance, meaning you need to drink more and more to feel “buzzed”, drinking to get rid of a hangover or other withdrawal symptoms such as shaking or trembling, withdrawal from social activities due to drinking and inability to quit drinking. Effects of Alcoholism

Alcoholism has consequences on an individual’s physical and social welfare. Some of the effects of heavy drinking on the body are cancer, liver disease, brain damage and heart problems. Socially, the alcoholic faces work problems, unemployment, poverty, divorce and ostracism from their family and friends (Smart, 2007). References Bakalkin, G. (2008). Alcoholism-associated molecular adaptations in brain neurocognitive circuits. Eurekalert. org. Retrieved 26-1-2012 Smart, L. (2007). Alcohol and Human Health. Oxford, UK: Oxford University Press WHO. (2010). Alcohol. World Health Organization.