Alcohol is one of the most commonly used and legal drugs in the U.S. In adults, two out of three American adults report drinking alcohol and half of the alcohol is consumed by heavy drinkers. Alcoholism is an addiction that occurs over time, but it effects the body physically and it also can change the way the brain works and processes information and emotions.
Alcoholism affects people in many ways and is considered to be the cause of 50 percent of accidents, suicides and violent crimes. Addiction to alcohol can also cause a number of health problems, including heart and liver diseases, cancer and brain damage.
Even though there are many reasons why people may turn to alcohol in times of stress of depression, almost all alcoholics use alcohol as a coping tool or way to make themselves feel better. Alcoholics drink in order to make them feel more at ease in social situations, and others use it to deal with stress. Family history plays a big part in alcohol addiction, and children of parents who are alcoholics are more likely to become an alcoholic.
