The Physical Effects of Alcohol on the Body Alcoholism is a disease which, in many cases, appears to be a genetically transmitted biochemical defect. However, in other instances, it appears to be caused by overwhelming bombardment of the physiology of the body by repeated episodes of heavy drinking resulting in the incapacity to handle alcohol normally. Psychological and/or social pressures may aggravate the disease. It is characterized by a typical progression of drinking behavior that requires
This dissertation investigates how substance and other addictive problems are prevalent in every segment of society today. The issues are concerns that are created cross all ethnic, cultural, educational, socioeconomic, gender, and age barriers. While there has been an upward trend in elder and prescription abuse over the past decade, adolescent rates have stabilized somewhat. Yet, when considering the various forms that substance abuse and addiction can take, the statistics are staggering.