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A question that evokes a lot of reactions and few solutions. everybody has an opinion. What is alcoholism? Is it a disease, is it a sign of weakness or is it a genetic disorder? Officially alcoholism is described as an addiction to or a dependency on drinking excessive amounts of alcoholic drinks. But what does this mean? for some, excessive drinking means two glasses of wine, for others it means 15 shots of alcohol on a night out.A person suffering from alcoholism is considered to have an addiction. According to the dictionary an addiction has many meanings: a person who has a compulsion towards something a devotee an enthusiast a fan a fanatic, etc. With regards to alcoholism you could say that it concerns a person who cannot stop drinking alcohol, even if well aware that it could potentially be harmful.Individual and cultural outlooks create a different appearance, but when you ask an average person in the western world: what is alcoholism? they often paint a universal picture. a homeless guy sleeping under a bridge or on a bench in a park. Individuals are in denial. Society is in denial.Alcoholism is hugely misunderstood and even science hasnt accepted that it might actually be a mental illness, like schizophrenia. in general, especially in Europe, it is not even regarded as a medical problem and therefore hardly any funds are made available to find a ‘medical solution’.So what is alcoholism about?Alcoholism is about people. According to experts three out of five people know someone who is affected by alcoholism in one way or another. and one alcoholic negatively affects the lives of at least six people in their close circle. The mixed message of society also creates a sense of shame in those affected by alcoholism and it is typical for family and partners of someone who is suffering from alcoholism to erect a facade of normality.Nobody seems to understand so why try to explain? everybody seems to judge so why invite criticism?The medical world is extremely aware of the dangers and effects of this socially accepted drug. and the effects of alcohol abuse and alcohol addiction are becoming a normal sight in hospitals, but governments and the drinks industry do not really take the problem seriously. At the bottom of colourful happy images of healthy, happy, good looking, individuals having a good time that are bombarded into our lives via publicity, we can easily miss, and seemed to be encouraged to miss the note in tiny letters to remind us to drink responsibly.Good times, so we are to believe, cannot exist without an alcoholic drink. So are these messages having a negative effect on those suffering from alcoholism? The answer is often, yesAlcoholism is a phenomenon that occurs in all strata of society. From professors to street cleaners, from teachers to factory workers, and from twenty year olds to seventy year olds. There is no easy answer and no simple solution. Enjoying a glass of wine during a meal or while enjoying some sunshine at a pavement cafe can be very pleasurable and not create any problems, but there is a need for awareness of the effects of alcohol abuse; a silent, destroyer of families, friendships, work contracts, good health and many more facets of life.The best answer to the question ‘what is alcoholism’ is: a serious global problem that needs understanding, research, and awareness.Renate van Nijen, 2011
What Is Alcoholism? A Personal View
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