Who is more likely to become alcoholic?

Men

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by Lolito Tampus

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The trip in going to the stage of alcoholism usually starts when we are curious and consciously or unconsciously imitate the art of drinking as an offshoot of peer pressure, family upbringing and influences from the media. Especially, if the new adventure is mixed-up with smoking and drug abuse, the travel becomes faster and higher. Worse if we are convinced by the notions that our body needs alcohol and everyone has the right to be happy and to gather more friends during some social obligations. The rationalization is acceptable and seems to be true in many aspects but the moment we are unmindful as to the frequency of our socializing and the corresponding volume intake of alcohol involved in the process, the engagement becomes habitual and excessive. This time, the problem and the pressure will not be coming from the outside world only but also from within us.

Many of us still cling to alcohol in spite of the known disadvantages. We find drinking as the alternative source of fun and merrymaking, a gradual release of inhibitions and a leeway to reveal a real character. Parties, sessions and outings are perceived as drab and lousy if there's no alcohol. Entertainers, laborers, lawyers, priests, seamen, soldiers, office workers, sportsmen, etc. draw meaning from its indulgence after a long day's work and during memorable celebrations and not to exclude those whose undertakings are for business or for pleasure commencing from the early part of the day up to sleeping time in the evening.

Whatsoever are the reasons for imbibing alcohol, complications still ensue the moment we reach the point of intoxification which becomes alarming and fatal. If some happy-go-lucky guys find joy to savor its taste and effect, the situation changes dramatically to habitual practice. The feeling of satisfaction and elation becomes a routine and the volume intake keeps on increasing which develops into a degree of abuse. Through binge drinking, the craving heightens to reach the fearsome level of dependence. If we become dependent, we have already reached our destination to lose control on how much to drink.

In reality, we cannot avoid cases of alcoholism. We have varied problems and insecurities inherited from our family tree beaming with interesting legacies and tales to tell. We have stories about broken homes perpetrated by irresponsible parents who failed to display behaviors as good role models. Then we have this innate characteristic to belong to a group in a society who accepts our personal idiosyncrasies uniqueness and expressions. We often hear about emotional injuries caused by bad relations, lack of recognition, depression, anxiety, loneliness and low self-esteem. Then there are those cases of poor health, loss of job, financial problems and failures in achieving a dream which are easy scapegoats for drunkenness. Our thinking appears narrow that we blame ourselves, someone else and even our God for all the misgivings and misfortunes that come our way.

Summarily, researchers would remind us that alcoholism is a chronic pathological condition which is chiefly of the nervous and gastroenteric systems. It can also lead to the malfunctioning of our liver, pancreas and rectum which are directly linked to our stomach and the intestines. The alcoholic condition is marked by great heights of temporary mental disturbance, muscular incoordination and paresis which is actually a slight or partial paralysis. The uncontrollable behaviors can destroy relationships with others and the community which are the recipients of lawlessness, embarassment and criminal instincts.

But not everything is hopeless with alcoholism. Before its onset, it was under our control and choice and that with our determination and commitment, we still have the self control and the chance to go back to normal life through the process of withdrawal, abstinence and detoxification. If others can do it, why can't we?

If we are going to ponder on the question," Who is more likely to become alcoholic?" the answer would be: It can anybody else who is overbearing, hardheaded and problematic. And it can be YOU or ME. Any bets for rounds of beer?

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