Alcoholism has been a problem throughout the history of humanity, a disease which has caused many people to be overcome with burdens, problems, and debts. Alcoholism is a term that is widely recognized throughout the United States and the World. Alcoholism is a chronic disease, progressive and often fatal; it is a disorder and not due to other diseases or emotional problems.

Many scientists have tried to define what Alcoholism is, and what this disease may be rooted from. Some people would argue that alcoholism is simply the over-consumption of alcohol, this statement is only somewhat true. An alcoholic is a person who relies on alcohol as a medium to help him or her deal with physical, emotional, or spiritual needs.

To understand alcoholism, it must first be understood what this affliction is dependent on. Alcohol is a substance that is made by the fermentation of fruits, grains, or miscellaneous other organic materials. The chemical, alcohol, is a depressant and acts on every cell in the human body. Due to this, the central nervous system, along with the pleasure centers of the brain, are affected resulting in a feeling of euphoria and a sense of well being. After repeated exposure, the brain becomes dependent on this drug to unburden itself whenever it feels the compulsion. Several factors that contribute to alcoholism are the individual s psychology, genetics, culture, and the individual s response to physical pain.

In order to understand alcoholism, we must first define what scientists classify alcoholism to be. Moderate drinkers drink equal to at least two drinks a day. An at-risk person for alcoholism will drink more than fourteen drinks a week or four drinks in one sitting. An individual who suffers from alcohol abuse would display one of the above mentioned behaviors for a period of a year or more and show typical symptoms such as: failure to fulfill work or personal obligations, recurrent use in potentially dangerous situations, problems with the law and continued alcohol use in spite of the harm that is being expressed to social or personal relationships.

Alcohol abuse can be attributed to the downfall of many famous people. Edgar Allen Poe, a classic author, suffered from alcoholism. Which were apparent in his stories that took on a dark and grotesque style. This may be attributed to his depressed state resulting from his own abuse of the drug we call alcohol. He was found dead in a gutter due to over-consumption of alcohol.

Addictions to a substances such as alcohol can inhibit normal human lifestyles. Many people forget that caffeine, being the opposite of alcohol due to its simulative qualities, is as addictive as alcohol. People who are addicted to caffeine go through similar withdrawals, though on a lesser level than those with alcohol related abuse. Caffeine addicts frequently experience headaches until they are able to satiate the craving for the caffeine which can be found in coffees, teas, sodas, and various other organic materials. Another common abuse would be that of prescription drugs. Many people can develop an addiction to various prescription drugs without knowing it, for example sleeping medications easily become an addiction in which the user cannot sleep unless he or she takes their medication before bedtime. Non prescription medications such as Afrin when used only over a period of three days can develop into a serious addiction where the user cannot breath unless he or she uses this drug.

Conclusively, alcohol is a chemical that is made from organic materials which has a physical, emotional, and spiritual effect on the human body. Alcoholism is a disease that takes over the body, mind and soul. When over consumption turns into dependence, the disease provokes the user to become immune to the alcohol s effects, or unconcerned about his or her life. There are other substances that can be just as detrimental to our health such caffeine,prescription drugs and various other non prescription medications. Alcoholism is not something that you would want to develop, and all people should be aware of the life endangering risks of using alcohol.