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Alcohol Abuse

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Alcohol Abuse
Byron Williams
HCA 430 Special Populations
Lynne Trevisan
1 July 2013

Alcohol Abuse

Alcoholism is a disease that is creating a heavy burden on society. Alcoholism is a broad term for problems with alcohol, and is generally used to mean compulsive and uncontrolled consumption of alcoholic beverages, usually to the detriment of the drinker's health, personal relationships, and social standing. It is medically considered a disease, specifically a neurological disorder, and in medicine several other terms are used, specifically "alcohol abuse" and "alcohol dependence" which have more specific definitions. “Every year alcohol is responsible for 1/2 of all murders, accidental deaths, and suicides; 1/3 of all drowning, boating, and aviation deaths; 1/2 of all crimes; and almost 1/2 of all fatal automobile accidents” (Wells, 2000). Alcohol is a potent nonprescription drug sold to anyone over the national legal drinking age, 21 and Substantial evidence exists that both the presence and quality of family ties and the attitudes and practices of families themselves are correlated with individual members’ propensity to drink, smoke, or use drugs. Culture\Ethnicity and Income are two factors that increase vulnerability to alcoholism. In all societies, alcoholic beverages are used as powerful and versatile symbolic tools, to construct and manipulate the social world. In most societies alcohol use is considered a social activity. However in some cultures alcohol use and control is less regulated or not frowned upon. There are also cultures that discourage drinking. There are cultures that have locales for the purpose of drinking such as bars; there is ritual drinking such as wine in church and festive drinking for occasions such as weddings and or holidays. In our society there is ample opportunity to be exposed to alcohol. Alcohol is presented as a fun

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