Alcoholism is a major social, economic, and public health problem. About ten percent of the adult drinkers in the United States are considered alcoholics or experience some drinking problems to some degree("Microsoft Encarta 98 Encyclopedia"). By definition, alcoholism is a chronic and usually progressive illness that involves excessive drinking of alcoholic beverages. It interferes with phsyical and mental health, social, family, and or working responsibilities. Throughout my paper I will discuss the causes of psychological and phsyical problems alcoholism brings and what effects it has on everyday life.
             Some psychological factors that play a role are a relief of stress, unresolved conflict within relationships and low self-esteem. Many people do not know how to deal with their problems or they think they have too many problems, as a "safety net" many turn to alcohol. Lots of times you hear about relationships that break up so people try to forget their problems by drinking it away.
             Social factors that take part in alcoholism, include peer pressure, and stressful lifestyles. Alcohol is becoming more available to minors. Everyday the blame turns to the store owners who have to check for identification, a simple task for the most part is not done, All they have to do is check for identification. Peer pressure is a social factor that affects and takes part in Alcoholism. Social events and parties, kids rooting others on to win the chugging contest are all to familiar among teenagers today. Alcoholism affects people of all classes, races, sexes, and ethnic backgrounds. Many figures in history have been alcoholics. Alcoholism is a very serious disease. There are no "true" signs of alcoholism. There are various symptoms and stages that may show the beginning stages of alcoholism, but most are ignored due to denial. When people start to drink to forget their problems is
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