The Disease of Alcoholism

Benjamin E. VanZile
English Composition
16 January 2003
Alcoholism is a chronic, progressive disease. People who suffer from this illness are known as alcoholics. They can’t control their drinking even when it becomes the main cause of serious harm. Including medical problems, marital difficulties, job loss, car crashes, and mult-iple D.W.I.s. Medical science has yet to identify the exact cause of alcoholism, but research suggests that genetics, psychological, and social factors influence its development. Alcoholism can’t be cured yet, but various treatment options can help an alcoholic avoid drinking and regain a healthy live.
Alcoholism dependence develops differently in each individual. But certain symptoms characterize the illness, according to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), a government agency. Alcoholics develop a craving, or a strong urge, to drink despite awareness that drinking is creating problems in their lives. The...