The Disease of Alcoholism

             Alcoholism is considered a disease, meaning that it follows a characteristic course with known physical and social symptoms. The alcoholic continues to consume alcohol even though the destructive consequences he/she may face. Alcoholism is serious, and a very difficult habit to break. If not treated, it may be a habit that cannot be broken, or maybe even a fatal problem. It is generally thought that once the disease has developed, the alcoholic will not drink normally again. It is important to note that the particular symptoms and pattern of drinking problems may vary with the individual. Alcoholism is, therefore, a very complex disorder, and this complexity has led some researchers to question the accuracy of the disease of alcoholism.
             There are generally four basic types of alcoholism. The first type is called Alpha Alcoholism. It's being purely psychological dependence on alcohol. With Alpha Alcoholism the person depends on alcohol to relieve bodily and emotional pain. Another term for this alcoholic behavior is often called "problem drinking." For some reason, people think their problems disappear when they're drunk. The second type of alcoholic behaviors is called Beta Alcoholism. It does not involve either psychological or physical dependence on alcohol. But yet worse on your body than Alpha Alcoholism because the heavy drinking may lead to ulcers, cirrhosis of the liver, damage to the nerves, and kidney problems. Beta alcoholics have a shortened life expectancy and suffer from financial and emotional demands due to excessive over drinking. Just like smoking, alcohol costs money, the demand for alcohol will get to the point of pinching every penny to just get one more drink. The third drinking behavior is Gamma Alcoholism; the alcoholic becomes physically dependent on liquor. So this means that the bodies tissues become tolerant of the new substance and the tissue becomes immune to it, and the body tissue needs the constant p...

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The Disease of Alcoholism. (1969, December 31). In MegaEssays.com. Retrieved 10:27, March 29, 2024, from https://www.megaessays.com/viewpaper/101627.html