Behavior Due To Alcohol Consumption example essay topic

It is a popular assumption in society that alcohol problems are a direct result of consumption levels; the more we consume alcohol, the more problems. Our perception of what is accepted and expected of our behavior towards drinking is formed by societal tolerance and norms. However, our beliefs, attitudes, and knowledge about alcohol patterns of drinking are very powerful elements in causing, helping, and preventing problems. Determining the frequency, quantity, speed of consumption, location, and reason for drinking are important factors to classify drinking patterns.

We can identify these patterns of drinking into social drinker, alcohol abuser, and alcohol dependent. We make our evaluation of behavior towards drinking by someone's actions and dispositions. A person who drinks one or two, we assume drinking problem is evident in that person's action. We make our judgement instantly and fail to consider other contributing factors to put someone as having a problem with drinking.

A person who drinks moderately is also identify as a social drinker (S.D.) He or she drinks a typical drink which is equivalent to 12 ounces of beer, 1/2 ounces of liquor, and 5 ounces of wine; it all have the same amount of alcohol (ethanol). Clinical studies found that a man who has two typical drink a day, one for a woman, gains some health benefits that lessen hypertension and lowers cholesterol level. Social drinker only drinks occasionally during special event, at a wedding, retirement ceremony, birthday, and hail and farewell celebration. If going to such event, prior arrangements are in place as to who will be the designated driver and eliminate potential problems that could put oneself or others at risk. There is a controlling mechanism in that person's mind of knowing when alcohol starts to affect behavior due to alcohol consumption; he or she will stop drinking before the alcohol itself controls the behavior. A social drinker will not suffer any ill effects of alcohol if drinking continues in moderation.

Alcohol abuser's disposition towards drinking is to get drunk. A drink or two in one setting is not enough; consumption of alcohol or combination of different drink is often a daring experiments. Behavior is easily influence by the peer pressure of drinking buddies and often leads to competitive drinking; being part of the group, the good old boys, drinking is rite of passage to adulthood. If going on a drinking venue, there is no set of plan on how to get back home; it is a dangerous situation that put others at risk. Considering alcohol as a depressant drug, it ultimately lowers one's inhibitions that could results to fights, accidents, unsafe sexual practices, physical or property damages, and hangovers. It is harmful to the extent of not meeting school, work, and family obligations.

Alcohol abuser who fails to recognize the negative affects of alcohol will suffer lost; consequently, it will bring physiological and psychological medical complications on one's health. No individual who wakes up in the morning and decides to be alcohol dependent or alcoholic. Being dependent on alcohol is a long process that happens in one's life; it is manifested with history pattern of abusing alcohol, drinking heavily, and pre-occupied activity towards alcohol consumption. Not only to drink to get drunk, alcoholic will drink to feel normal, to shield anger and guilt; it includes a strong need to drink despite negative consequences, such as serious job or health problems.

A person who is suffering from alcohol dependency (alcoholic) is not only an ordinary bum on the street, holding a bottle in a brown bag, but he or she could be any successful individual with established job; alcohol dependency is an equal opportunity employment. Alcohol dependent person considers to be suffering a disease that is chronic and often progressive; if the problem is not arrested, the problem continues and it will get worse. Once an individual is medically diagnosed as alcoholic, he or she will always be an alcoholic; the disease cannot be cured, but can it can be treated.