Alcohol has been portrayed as a customary beverage in our country for many years. Therefore, many individuals simply do not see alcohol for what it really is by force of habit. Alcohol, in its many forms, is a drug just like marijuana and heroin and many individuals in our society do not know that. They see alcohol as a beverage but one that is controlled so only certain individuals of a legal age can enjoy. However, many American's drinking habits cannot be seen as responsible and predicaments such as domestic violence, drinking and driving, and alcoholic overdose happen daily. An interesting fact is that Americans continue to be driven to obliterate drugs in their country but fail to notice the "invisible" drug that is readily available to millions of Americans legally on a daily basis. Alcohol dependence (alcoholism) has been seen for years as a lack of will of the individual rather on the drug (alcohol) itself. Thanks to research and activism, our society is at last learning that alcohol is unquestionably more than just a simple beverage. Alcohol, when consumed in large quantities and over a long period of time, can cause considerable physiological and psychological damage to the brain and the individual's behavior. Instead of alcoholism being portrayed as a lack of will, society is now being educated, rather slowly, that alcohol can be a killer without prejudice. Alcohol is a slow and insidious killer that procures an astonishing amount of Americans every day.
Alcoholism is defined by the Alcoholism Sourcebook as "a chronic, progressive, and often fatal disease; it is a primary disorder and not a symptom of other diseases or emotional problems." (Bellenir 53) Since alcoholism is a very slow disease, many times it is difficult to distinguish whether or not an individual has moved from moderate drinking to problem drinking. The goal is to try and cease the drinking altogether so to halt any more damage being done to the body. This goal is not always attainable and most often than not the individual is probably too late to revert some of the damage the alcohol may have caused due to their chronic consumption. The giveaway sign of a body's adaptation to alcohol is illustrated when the problem drinker attempts to quit cold turkey. By abruptly ceasing the alcohol, this will throw the body into a complete commotion and bring about a myriad of negative body responses that are lumped together and labeled withdrawal. (Bellenir 53)
