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the problem of alcohol abuse and alcoholism is one of our major health and social problems, ranking along with cancer, heart disease, and mental illness. yet, emphasis on the treatment of alcoholism has been greatly neglected and does not reflect the seriousness of the problem.

in the usa, there are from 11 to 15 million people addicted to alcohol. the problem of alcoholism affects the individual, and ruins his life and others. it affects his health, happiness, personal safety, life span, and their family relationships.

alcohol abuse takes its toll in many many forms. approximately half of the traffic deaths each year are caused by a driver or pedestrian who had been drinking. one-half of those in our jails have been booked on drinking-related charges. about one-third of the homicides are related to alcohol abuse, and of all suicides reported, about one-fourth are alcohol-related.

in the word of business, billions of dollars are spent each year due to alcoholism. about one-half of america’s alcoholics are employed and lose about two or three times more workdays per year than the average worker does. also, these workers have about three times more of the off-job accidents than other employees do. they endanger the safety of those around them and affect the morale and efficiency of all the workers.

contrary to what most people think, the main majority of alcoholics are not bums. only five percent of all serious problem drinkers would fall into this area. instead, the problem drinker lives among us. he is able to live and work, but not as effectively and successfully as he could if he were not suffering from alcoholism.

these alcoholics are your co-workers, the housewives in your neighborhood, your friends, or maybe even someone you love. in this country, there are more male alcoholics than female alcoholics.

the effects of alcohol happen in stages. during the first stage, it affects their self-control and judgement. in the second stage, their memory, speech, physical reflexes, and thinking are affected.

the third stage can cause a coma or put them in daze. excessive use of alcohol over a long period can result in malnutrition and damage to the body organs, especially the liver and brain. d.t.’s, or the shakes, can occur as the result of damage to the nervous systems.

there is no “one cause” of alcoholism. people seem to use alcohol to get away from something, to relieve anixety, or to help them face their problems. licquor is also used to cover up feelings of insecurity or guilt.

in the early stages of alcoholism it is hard to spot a part time drinker from a hardcore drinker, but there are some clues. these may include things such as promises to quit drinking; frequent drinking to relieve tension; increased tolerance to alcohol; and, changes in personality.

in the middle state, the problem drinker usually tries to hide his drinking, and morning drinking is more apt to occur. also, during this stage, the signs of drinking are more noticeable, especially at work. the person finds it harder to feel good, or “high”, regardless of how much he drinks.

the problem drinker now drinks daily just to make it each day. once in the final stages of alcoholism, loneliness, and isolation set in. the drinker lives to drink, will neglects his health, and suffers personality changes. they are very tense, irritable and alcohol becomes one of the most important thing in their life.

their health will hit rock bottom, and physical weakness is brought on by their abuse of alcohol and the malnutrition that goes with it. the only real solution to alcoholism is for the alcoholic to totally quit drinking and never drink again!

alcoholism is considered a medical problem, and the american medical association urges hospitals to accept alcoholic patients. also, seeking treatment to help the alcoholic re-create his life without the use of alcohol is strongly recommended. restoring the health of the alcoholic is the first step. the second and most difficult step involves the revitalization and well being of the total person. this takes much longer.

the united states is dealing with a major problem–one that shows signs of increasing. this disease of alcoholism is treatable but before it’s too late, we should work together in not only controlling alcoholism, but in preventing it as well.