The Psychological Causes of Alcoholism - 1811 Words

A little while ago, I sat down with this woman to talk about her life. She told me that her story was a bit sad and bitter, and for a moment, I did not believe it. It was after when I realized that she actually meant it, she meant it when she said there was no happy ending. It was hard to understand, but at the same time, it was all crystal clear. Her mother was an alcoholic. She died when se was only 61 years old, and left a family full of memories and love behind (Arango). That woman is my mom, and that alcoholic, the most generous and toughest person I know, was my grandmother. There are innumerable stories like mine, stories about shattered families, and broken homes, stories about alcoholics and their struggle. Alcoholism is a†¦show more content†¦It leads to the development of our personality, and sometimes, that may include the development of a condition, such as alcoholism. There are several psychological causes for the disease, like learned behaviors, people’ s thoughts, stress or uncomfortable situations, or lack of developmental maturity, which is the ability to act according to what we think and not according to our impulses or sudden whims (Horvath). These causes can all be influenced by media exposure and what advertisements portray. Viewers can learn drinking behaviors shown in ads and movies or TV shows, and they can change what they think about substance abuse based on what they see. In a recent study it was found that for each extra hour of watching TV, the risk of starting drinking during a period of 18 months increased by 9% (Anderson, Escobar). If, lets say, a 15-year-old boy who watches a commercial about Budweiser which â€Å"defines drunkenness as ‘having too much of a good time’† (Kilbourne), then it is likely that in the next party or event he goes to, he is going to resemble the behavior he saw in the commercial thinking that there will not be any mayor consequences. This affected both, what the teen ager believed about alcohol, and his behavior. So, although there are many known causes for alcoholism, all of them equally valid, they are all triggered in one way or another by media and what it wronglyShow MoreRelatedCauses Of Alcoholism And Alcohol Dependence885 Words   |  4 Pages Causes of Alcoholism Introduction Alcoholism or alcohol dependence is one of the most prevalent problems found among teens and adults alike. But, what exactly is alcoholism? Alcoholism is a chronic disorder marked by excessive and usually compulsive drinking of alcohol leading to [mental] and physical dependence or addiction (Merriam-Webster). However, it is still unclear to scientists as to what particularly forms this addiction. Yet, all research has led to three very distinct componentsRead MoreAlcoholism : A Complex Disorder961 Words   |  4 PagesAlcoholism is a very complex disorder. It is believed that genetics and several other biological factors are likely involved in the materialization of alcohol dependence, along with cognitive behavior, temperament, psychological and sociocultural factors. Alcohol use patterns including alcohol abuse and alcohol dependence are â€Å"familial† in nature (cf. Heath et al., Kendlerm Heath, heath Neale, Kessler Eaves, 1992; Hesselbrock, 1995) Alcohol abuse is a drinking pattern that results In significantRead MoreAlcohol Dependence927 Words   |  4 Pagesbetter known as alcoholism. Alcoholism is a chronic, progressive disease marked by a growing compulsion to drink and impaired control over drinking that eventually interfere with health and social behavior. It is an addiction that effects more people than just the alcoh olic. Over 100,000 Americans die as a result of alcohol abuse. Results prove that alcohol played a role in half of the homicides, suicides and traffic deaths in the United States. It is estimated that alcohol causes 30% of automobileRead MoreSubstance Abuse : Alcohol Addiction1399 Words   |  6 Pagescraving, loss of control, physical dependence such as nausea, anxiety or sweating and finally tolerance. Alcohol affects individuals in many different ways such as inability to work, socialise and destructive behaviours for instance rash driving. Alcoholism fails to accomplish key role obligations at school, work or in the home and family. In the US it has been predicted that 9,700,000 children 17 or younger were living with an adult diagnosed with alcohol addiction in 2005. Drinking alcohol whilstRead MoreCauses and Effects of Alcohol Abuse955 Words   |  4 PagesApril 22, 2013 English 101 Alcoholism is the excessive and usually uncontrollable use of alcoholic drinks. There are many symptoms, complications, treatments and ways of prevention for alcoholism. Certain groups of people may be at a greater risk than others for several different reasons. There are numerous factors in why people may become addicted. Usually, a variety of factors contribute to the development of alcoholism. Social factors such as the influence of peers, familyRead MoreAlcoholism Essay910 Words   |  4 PagesAlcholism There are several different ways to describe substance abuse. So many people think that substance abuse only pertains to alcoholism. There is several other substances that may cause someone to be diagnosed with substance abuse disorder. Some of those things include: marijuana, alcohol, stimulants(cocaine and amphetamines), Hallucinogens, Inhalants, sedatives, and even nicotine. Even though some people may not see some of these things as things that may become addicting they are. MoreRead More Alcoholism Essay678 Words   |  3 PagesAlcoholism   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Alcoholism refers the drinking of alcohol to such a degree that major aspects of ones life are seriously and repeatedly interfered with. These aspects include work, school, family relationships, personal safety and health. Alcoholism is considered a disease. It has known physical, psychological and social symptoms. An alcoholic continues to drink even despite the destructive consequences. Alcoholism is serious and progressive. It can be fatal if not treated. AlcoholismRead MoreThe Effects Of Long Term Alcohol Use On The Brain1482 Words   |  6 Pagesthe deficiency of Thiamine, or vitamin B1, is commonly seen with alcoholism, and can be linked to dementia-like symptoms associated with alcoholic encephalopathy and Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome (U.S. Natl. Library of Medicine). Excessive alcohol consumption is responsible for disturbances in the excretory system, rendering the body unable to eliminate harmful toxins. It is also associated with chronic liver inflammation, which can cause scarring and cirrhosis of the liver, and is fatal if left untreatedRead MoreAlcoholism Is A Major Issue1413 Words   |  6 PagesAlcoholism is a major issue in the United States and has been for many years. It destroys lives drink by drink. â€Å"It is estimated that between 18 million -- or one in 12 adults -- in the U.S. abuse alcohol or are chronic alcoholics. Nearly 100,000 Americans die each year as a result of alcohol abuse, and alcohol is a factor in more than half of the country s homicides, suicides, and traffic accident (Understanding Alcohol Abuse -- the basics).† Alcoholism is caused by genetic, physical, psychologicalRead MoreAlcohol Abuse Should Not Be Confused With Alcoholism Or Alcohol Dependence950 Words   |  4 PagesAlcohol abuse should not be confused with alcoholism or alcohol dependence. It is important to note the difference between the three. It is predicted that alcohol abuse affects individual physically, emotionally, and psychologically. Although some psychological, physical and economical effects may occur with both, alcohol abuse and alcohol dependence (alcoholism) for the purpose of this paper the alcohol abuse is the main focus. Introduction Alcohol abuse is a serious disease that impacts individual