When people hear the word "drug," they usually think of an illegal substance such as cocaine, heroin, marijuana, or any other drug that can be found on the street. Most people never consider the fact that consuming alcohol can be just as harmful as illegal drugs, not only on the body, but on the mind and spirit as well. If constantly abused, alcohol can be even worse for one than taking illegal drugs. Irresponsible drinking can destroy a person's life as well as the lives of those around them. When people become both physically and psychologically addicted to alcohol, they become an alcoholic and suffer from a disease called alcoholism. One denotation of this term is "a diseased condition of the system, brought about by the continued use of alcoholic liquors". Another definition of this term, given to me by my English professor, Janet Gould who is in fact, a recovering alcoholic, is that alcoholism is a mental dependence and a physical allergy.
Alcoholism somehow affects us all through a parent, sibling, friend, or even personal encounters with a stranger. In fact "alcoholics may become angry and argumentative, quiet and withdrawn, or depressed. They may also feel more anxious, sad, tense, and confused. They then seek relief by drinking more".
Alcohol and Alcoholism is a big part in our society, which should be recognized and dealt with.
In addition "about 7%" of all adults who consume alcohol in the United States today are considered alcoholics, or have suffered from some sort of drinking problem in their lives. "Although there is no indication of how the alcoholism of families members is linked, studies show that about 50 to 80 percent of all alcoholics have had a close relative that was an alcoholic". Many times alcoholism starts during a person's high...
Don't forget to really define the word drug!
The only criticism I have to make is in your first paragraph. When you are introducing the termonology of the word drug. I see you mention that drugs are not only cocaine, pot, heroine etc, but also alcohol is one of them and it's just as detrimental as the others. I totally agree with you but i would suggest you to add the fact that drugs are also the medicine we get in the drug store. So i just want you to present the positive and the negative connotation that word signifies. Then you can relate it to alcohol and start from them. Your essay by the way is pretty educative. I knew everything you said on your essay but that's because I did a research on it, but for the others it will be a very helpful essay. I wish you could have researched some facts, just to add a little more credence to it, and then cite the sources, but either way it's a relatively good essay.
Good job!
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