Alcohol Addiction
Alcohol is not a new addiction. It has been recognized for decades, and programs have been created to help alcoholics overcome their need to drink. Most notably is Alcoholics Anonymous which was founded in 1935 by William Griffin Wilson, known as Bill W, and physician Robert Holbrook Smith. Even prior to AA, there existed hospitals and other institutes locally called "drying out centers" to treat the scourge of alcoholism. Granted, some methods, especially those composed of drinking various concoctions, where nothing more than quackery, since it remained to be seen whether the anti-alcoholic cocktails were just as damaging, considering they were formulated with drugs that caused hallucinogenic episodes. Regardless of the previous treatment methods, alcohol addiction has been considered a serious social issue for a very long time.
The factor that differentiates alcohol addiction from other forms of addictions such as drugs, is that alcohol is legal and readily available. Most households stock some form of alcohol and it is easy access for addicts of all ages. Too often, people who exhibit symptoms of alcohol addiction are just labeled as heavy drinkers. Their conditions and behaviors while drunk are passed off as funny or just someone "letting loose". Sadly, most often than not, the behaviors are damaging and hurtful to those around the alcoholic. There is nothing inherently funny about smashing furniture, vomiting on the carpet, drinking oneself into a paralyzing stupor, or falling down stupid. In reality, individuals who engage in this sort of activity do indeed need help, or at least to question themselves. Further, many believe that if drunks are not abusing others physically, then what they do is okay and even acceptable. This really is not true.
Admittedly, alcoholics and their friends or family have ready a host of excuses or reasons for their heavy drinking tendencies. Anything from losing a job to having a good time is fair game. Quite often, they make it appear as though they are being sociable, as though it is expected of them. Again, any excuse is good enough to take that first drop of the day. Maybe the alcoholic just didn't like what someone said to him or her. The basis of the addiction, however, is that alcohol becomes a crutch. It is the way to live because it numbs the senses and removes the outside problems. Of course, the feeling is only temporary and in reality, nothing has changed. The problems do not go away.
What is very frightening about today's society is that alcohol is used as a coping mechanism for young children and teenagers. It is common now to hear stories about children at ten or twelve taking alcohol from their parents' liquor cabinets. They are barely old enough to understand their own issues and the underlying reasons for how they feel, let alone take responsibility for drinking. And because they are still growing, they can do serious, irreparable harm to their bodies.
Admittedly, for some, alcohol is just the drug of choice due to convenience and societal approval. It still remains, however, that it can be a dangerous combination for individuals prone to violent outbreaks, individuals who insist on drinking and driving, and parents with small children who are scared when they hear and see the odd behavioral changes in their drinking parent.