Alcohol in America, Essay Example

Alcohol is very common to American society. One cannot watch television or log on to social media and not see advertisements about various forms of liquor. Actually, it is seen in a positive light and really not considered a drug like crack or heroin. It is more of a sociable ice breaker used at parties and gatherings. In some cultures and communities, even being inebriated is not frowned upon. The simple fact that it is so acceptable causes people to forget just how dangerous this drug can be. Many people don’t believe that alcohol is a dangerous drug because buying and using it is not illegal. For young people, it is glamorized on music videos and television shows. Teens are easily swayed to follow popular culture and when they see one of their favorite artists or stars drinking, they feel that it is acceptable.

Many people who are under the influence of alcohol will participate in risky behaviors that they would not participate if they were sober. For those that are severely addicted to the drug, they will do all sorts of things in order to get the drug. For many women, prostitution is one way to gain money to support their alcohol problem. Often young girls are the victims of making unsavory decisions while under the influence. Many girls have had sex with people they never would have dreamed of being with while sober. There are many other risky behaviors that occur while under the influence of alcohol. Some people develop and invincible personality. They may thing they can lift heavy objects or even fly. This drug can cause them to jump from building or bridges in attempts to fly.

Over a period of time, alcohol can have a devastating effect on the mental capacity of the victim. People who drink heavily suffer from depression, anxiety, and paranoia. When a person becomes depressed, he/she will stop interacting with friends and doing things they have enjoyed doing. If it is a student, often their grades and studies will suffer because of their dependence on the drug. The drug becomes their number one priority. Everything else becomes secondary. There every waking moment centers around obtaining the drug. They will spend bill money or even food money to obtain the drug. When their money is low, they will begin having anxiety about obtaining the drug. This anxiety can cause them to become violent or angry towards those who are around them. After years of chronic use, they can even develop mental illnesses, such as schizophrenia. Over time the brain activity becomes imbalanced and the person may never become the person they once were prior to drug use.

Over a period of time, alcohol has many physical effects on the abuser. The most noticeable change is in their physical appearance. People who drink heavily have many skin problems and in some cases the skin takes on a rubbery appearance; while other may experience a drying of the skin as a main problem. The eyes of chronic users are often red or blood shot and the aroma of alcohol can be detected permeating from their skin. Heavy alcohol users have a stench on their breath that is not easily removed. Their walking and self-relieving abilities become impaired and they often fall down or urinate on themselves.

The family of any drug users is the ones that suffer the most. Alcohol users prefer to be in the company of other users. As a result, they often spend hours or days away from their family in other to be in like company. Many people who are chronic users are unable to hold down a steady job because of their use. In many cases, the person is just too drunk to keep a work schedule or because of their personal hygiene issues they are reprimanded or fired. Sometimes, there are functional alcoholics that are able to continue a daily schedule and drink only on designated times. These people maintain a job and family while still drinking. Although these people are considered lucky, they are just as bad off as the belligerent drunks. These people are less likely to seek help because in their minds they do not have a problem. These people who can function while drinking may be teachers, doctors, lawyers, or other members of high society.

Eventually, any person who has drug issues will have legal problems. Most people who have drug issues have a lack of respect for authority. They believe the world owes them something and have little regard for those they may hurt. For a person with an alcohol problem, their issues may start off as speeding tickets or DUI’s. Of course this will only escalate because they are not going to pay their fines. If they paid their fines, they would have less money for the drug. That leads to more fines and warrants for arrest due to failure to appear before the judge. Once they have lost their licenses, car, and job, the addict will revert to other ways of getting money. They many steal from family members or even rob a store to get money or alcohol. Eventually, the person finds themselves in jail with major jail time to complete. In many instances, this jail time is the only thing that will convince them to get sober.

Yet, in the minds of many, being an alcoholic is not as bad as being a crack or heroin addict. It seems that the alcohol market is targeting teenagers. The exposure to alcohol marketing is unavoidable at any age, but many of the commercials advertising alcohol are played during times that children would be watching television. For example, I was watching television with some of my teen relatives. They were watching some shows and every time they went to commercial, it was an advertisement of something an adult would purchase. Several of the commercials were advertising alcohol and many others were advertising cars and furniture. I found that so surprising because when I was a child, I can remember running to my mom each time a commercial came on asking could I have what was being advertized. Evidently, that day has gone. Why show these types of commercial during children shows if children are not being targeted?

Many mixed drinks are sweet or fruit tasting, which inclines younger users because it tastes good. As a result, many young users are not aware of the overall affect of the drink, but are impressed by the taste-While others drink for the sole purpose of getting drunk.  Often teens drink before going to a party or event that might make them feel uncomfortable. Having the booze in their system takes the edge off the nervousness they may be feeling. Yet, the most common reason is peer pressure. Teens are influenced to drink by other teens and young adults in order to fit in or be accepted by the cool kids. In some ironic cases, teens and young adults are drinking with their parents. Parents buy the alcohol for them in efforts of preventing them from drinking it at parties or after games with friends. They feel a sense of security knowing that the teens are in the safety of their homes while they are drinking. For those who don’t have parents to buy it for them, there is always someone else who is willing to do it. So, accessing it is very easy for most young people.

Teens and young adults have been drinking alcohol for years and the trend is still going today. Although there are many advertisements for alcohol, there are just as many warning of what alcohol can do to its users. Overtime, chronic alcohol use can lead to a life of failed aspirations. Once one has become dependent on the substance, it is very difficult to make it through a day without it. Many families have been broken up and lives have been destroyed as the result of alcohol use. Many adult alcoholics admit that they began drinking as a child or teen. Alcohol use has many mental, physical, and emotional effects on its user. In some cases, the damage is irreversible and the person is unable to recover. Depression and anxiety caused by chronic alcohol use may lead to a life dependent upon medications for those illnesses. Teens and children who drink or more likely to become dependent upon the drug later in life.