United States 6/27/2009 7:05:35 AM
Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism
Man's oldest drug
Alcohol is the most commonly abused substance in the U.S. In a recent survey 60% of Americans reported drinking alcohol at least once in the past year. Obviously not all who drink are suffering from alcoholism, but 20% of the population reports having five or more drinks in a day at least once last year.
This suggests that the potential for alcohol abuse is very high and is reflected in the number of deaths attributed to alcohol abuse.
The use and abuse of alcohol has many effects on both the user and the people around them.
Drinking alcohol can affect self control, depresses the central nervous system and lowers your inhibitions. Other effects include loss of coordination, poor judgment, slowed reflexes, double vision, loss of memory and possible blackouts.
Alcohol Addiction and Alcoholism are defined by certain factors which may be present in all or part of the cases;
• A strong desire or sense of compulsion to take alcohol
• Difficulties in controlling alcohol-taking behavior in terms of its onset, termination, or levels of use
• A physiological withdrawal state when alcohol use has ceased or been reduced, as evidenced by: the characteristic withdrawal syndrome for alcohol; or use of the alcohol with the intention of relieving or avoiding withdrawal symptoms
• Evidence of tolerance, such that increased doses of alcohol are required in order to achieve effects originally produced by lower doses (clear examples of this are found in alcohol-dependent individuals who may take daily doses sufficient to incapacitate or kill non tolerant users)
• Progressive neglect of alternative pleasures or interests because of alcohol addiction, increased amount of time necessary to obtain or take alcohol or to recover from its effects
• Persisting with alcohol use despite clear evidence of overtly harmful consequences, such as harm to the liver through excessive drinking; efforts should be made to determine that the user was actually, or could be expected to be, aware of the nature and extent of the harm.
Narconon exists for the purpose of helping individuals overcome alcohol and drug addiction and return them to society as drug free, productive and happy individuals. We do this well and our 76% success rate shows that.
