Almoholism: The Negative Effects Of Alcohol

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Introduction: Often the issue of addiction causes many negative impacts to a person’s life. This affects the addict’s mind and physiology which may result in negatively impacting their interpersonal relationships with others and work environment. While addiction can range from the use of prescription drugs to illegal narcotics, the addiction that will be focused on is addiction to alcohol. Since the days of “speakeasy’s” and the prohibition era, alcohol has been the topic of conversation among the variety of cultures and socioeconomic status. Alcohol continues to contribute to the lives across generations as evidenced by music. Regardless of the musical genre, artists share their interpretation and experience of alcohol in the lyrics of their …show more content…

Alcohol abuse can potentially lead to major health risks, “It can cause damage to the liver, brain, and other organs” (Medline Plus). Alcoholism is an issue that affects a great number of people. According to Medline Plus, “…about 18 million adult Americans have an alcohol use disorder (AUD)” (Medline Plus). When considering these figures only represent the adult population as well as only including the adults in the US, it is apparent that the issue is widespread. Not only does it affect the person but also those around them. Unfortunately many times it affects other members of their family the most. According to American Addiction Centers, “As a general rule, these people have a greater likelihood of having emotional troubles compared to children who grew up in sober homes”. This suggests that the children of the people who suffer from alcoholism are affected to a great extent on an emotional level. As stated by American Addiction Centers, “In general, children of individuals who abuse alcohol are four times more likely to abuse alcohol themselves”, which would then only further the cycle of alcohol …show more content…

Often the way in which songs are written can be vague, dark and obscure. The lyrics often convey the message either in an abstract form or in a direct way in which the listener can understand the message outright. In the song “Whiskey Lullaby”, the negative impact of alcoholism is made apparent without requiring much thought. The lyrics go, “We watched him drink his pain away a little at a time “Here the message is made apparent that the answer for the depression is alcohol. However, the lyrics, “a little at a time” suggests that alcohol becomes a recurring option for the person in order to deal with their problem. The clue that it hints from that particular choice of words alone drives the song and gives it substance. In contrast to this view, the song “Rehab” introduces an opposing view in which alcohol is not an issue but does indicate a similar use as a form of coping as the lyrics in “whiskey Lullaby” do. The lyrics, “I don't ever wanna drink again, ohh I just need a friend” suggests that alcohol wouldn’t be a recurring means in order to deal with depression. Instead of the alcohol a friend and or a person that would give support is all that is necessary according to the lyrics. However, like the lyrics in the song, “Whiskey Lullaby” state that alcohol is still used as a means to

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