Alcoholism Defined
Alcoholism is a long-term, progressive disease that has not a whit to do with weakness of character or a lack of willpower. Alcohol is the most available and widely abused substance in the world.
The disease of alcoholism is influenced by genetic, psychological, social and environmental factors. All of these play into this illness; for instance, certain racial groups, such as Native American Indians and Native Alaskans, are more adversely affected by alcohol.
Depending on how your body responds to alcohol, you may or may not have an increased chance of alcoholism. Scientists theorize that 50 percent of the risk of alcoholism may be gene related. A combination of environmental and psychiatric factors is thought to account for the rest of the influence of alcohol on one’s body.
Red Flags to Watch For
The warning signs of alcohol abuse or dependency are many and at times, varied among men, women and adolescents. You may be curious about the role of alcohol in your own life or someone else’s. The following are common signs that alcohol may be taking over that life.