My Name is, and I'm an Alcoholic

My Name is, and I'm an Alcoholic

"I had my first drink when I was about five years old…from then on, alcohol was my constant companion, friend, and spiritual advisor…25 years later…I laid in the middle of my living room with a loaded rifle in my mouth wanting to end it all" (Alfred). Alcoholism is a chronic disease in which a person may become dependent on alcohol, to the extent where it affects your life. Alcoholics have an uncontrollable need for alcohol. Their lives revolve around drinking, which dominates the way that they think, feel, and act (Alcohol Use and Abuse). It breaks up families, it ends jobs, and it shortens lives. "Alcoholism," originated in 1849 by a "Swedish physician, Magnus Huss," can be a disease that can take over your life, but with time and commitment can be overcome (Getting the Facts).

"Alcohol produces both psychological and physical dependence… [it] interferes with the ability to socialize and to work and leads to many other destructive behaviors" (The Merck Manual of Medical Information 442). An alcoholic is someone who is dependent on alcohol and has the disorder of alcoholism. Alcoholics tend to act differently when drunk and at times may not be able to "manage their behavior" (The Merck Manual of Medical Information 442). Consequences that occur during this time are what lead to the breakup of relationships, and the endings of short lives. "Alcoholism is the third leading cause of death nationwide; it would be number one if traffic accidents and death certificate diagnoses related to alcohol were included in the statistics" (Alcohol Use and Abuse). This fact demonstrates the affect of alcohol has on so many lives. "Alcoholism reduces the life expectancy of alcoholics by 10 to 12 years" (Alcohol Use and Abuse); although these facts might be true, some people may not be able to overcome their addiction.

Alcoholism may be passed down by genetics, or may influenced by culture, and background. "People with a family history of alcoholism are more likely than other people to become alcoholics themselves (Alcohol Use and Abuse). Sons of alcoholic fathers have a one in four chance of becoming an alcoholic" (Alcohol Use and Abuse). "Alcoholism is more likely developed in the biological children of alcoholics, than in adopted children which suggest that alcoholism involves a genetic or biochemical defect" (The Merck Manual of Medical Information 443).