Alcoholism a Social Problem - 1593 Words

The Social Problem The social problem that was identified in the helping relationship is a return to alcohol use or relapse. The participant in the helping project admitted she had been in substance abuse treatment twice, but was unable to remain abstinent from alcohol use. This, according to her is a relapse, however, Miller (1996) identifies relapse as a return to alcohol and/or drug dependent behavior in a person who has previously achieved and maintained abstinence for a significant period of time beyond withdrawal. Unfortunately, the participant was unable to remain abstinent for any significant period of time, therefore does not meet the definition of relapse. Hence, we will discuss relapse, but the core social problem†¦show more content†¦Milam and Ketcham (1983) report that in 1804, Thomas Trotter wrote a paper that first introduced the concept of alcoholism as a disease. The essay was very controversial at that time in history and the controversy continues to this day. Trotters’ paper not only challenged the popular Christian church opinion that the alcoholic is sinful and depraved, but he implied that the alcoholic is not responsible for his behavior and should not be judged but treated. Trotter also managed to upset the medical profession by implying that they were now to assume responsibility for treating more than just the physical ailments that accompany alcohol abuse. The disease concept of alcoholism was met with such disapproval by the church and a complete lack of professional cooperation that the concept eventually faded into oblivion. Unfortunately for the alcoholics, they continued to be relegated to the same institutions that housed the insane and feeble minded, Milam and Ketcham (1983). This treatment continued until AA entered the dark world of the alcoholic. While there were religious groups like the Oxford Group, which was an evangelistic Christian movement from the 1920s, where alcoholics were told they la cked moral principals, along with other forms of treatment which used barbiturates and belladonna, but nothing to provide the alcoholic with hope for a sober future. AgencyShow MoreRelatedAlcoholism as a Social Problem792 Words   |  4 PagesS. Surgeon General, The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the National Institute on Drug Abuse) is five or more drinks in a row for men, and four or more in a row for women. Drinking levels this high significantly increase the problems the drinkers and for those around them. What is Alcohol Poisoning? Alcohol poisoning occurs when a person drinks a large quantity of alcohol in a short amount of time. The amount of alcohol in the bloodstream is called the blood alcohol concentrationRead MoreSocial Problems Of Alcoholism, Drug Addiction, And Mental Illness818 Words   |  4 Pageswhole new understanding of different social problems. The variety of social problems presented introduced me to a couple of social problems I had not given much thought to before. It also surprised me that every person in the class knew at least one person that had been affected by a certain social problem. Through the solutions presented in these presentations, I have gained knowledge of I can personally help eliminate some aspects of different social problems. The three presentations I believedRead MoreSocial Problem Analysis of the Glass Castle-------the Impact of the Alcoholism3445 Words   |  14 PagesRunning head: SOCIAL PROBLEM ANALYSIS OF THE GLASS CASTLE 1 Social problem analysis of The Glass Castle-------The impact of the alcoholism Ying Wan SWRK 725 Saint Louis University Professor Shannon Cooper-Sadlo SOCIAL PROBLEM ANALYSIS OF THE GLASS CASTLE 2 Abstract The paper talks about the social problems presented in the book The Glass Castle. And choose one problem which is alcoholism as the major one to explored in depth. It included the population affectedRead MoreSoc 203 social problems1286 Words   |  6 Pagesï » ¿ Alcoholism: A Social Problem I. Introduction Alcoholism is a major social problem that not only has an impact on the life of an alcoholic, but family members as well as society. Alcoholism is the third most common mental illness that affects more than 17 million people in the United States according to the National Institute of Alcohol Abuse. Alcoholism does not discriminate against age, race nor gender. II. Scope Alcoholism is defined as a disorderRead MoreDeviance And Alcoholism : A Socially Constructed, Communicated, And Learned Deviance1540 Words   |  7 PagesDeviance and Alcoholism Alcoholism is a problem experienced almost everywhere in the world and there are efforts taken by the societies to control it. This requires deep understanding of its nature, causes, effects and other encouraging factors. Alcoholism has been perceived as a medical problem since it could be treated, but recent concepts label it as a social deviant behavior. This paper will discuss about the alcoholism as a socially constructed, communicated, and learned deviance problem rather thanRead MoreEffects of Alcoholism on the Human Health and Social Life837 Words   |  3 PagesTitle Effects of alcoholism on the human health and social life General purpose/objective The speech is aimed at highlighting the negative effects that excessive intake of alcohol and habitual alcoholism can have on the social aspects of a person and the health repercussions of the aforementioned behavior. The content of the speech is largely informative and in very small part persuasive for people to reconsider their drinking habits. Specific purpose The specific objective of the speech isRead MoreAlcoholism: Symptoms, Causes, and Effects Essay981 Words   |  4 PagesAlcoholism: Symptoms, Causes, and Effects Composition I April 1, 1997 Alcoholism is a disease that affects many people in the United States today. It not only affects the alcoholic, but also their family, friends, co- workers, and eventually total strangers. The symptoms are many, as are the causes and the effects. Alcoholism is defined as a pattern of drinking in which harmful consequences result for the drinker, yet, they continue to drink. There are two types of drinkers. The first typeRead MorePortrayal Of Alcoholism In Black Beauty, By Anna Sewell866 Words   |  4 PagesA. Summary The purpose of this report is to show how alcoholism is portrayed in Anna Sewell’s novel, Black Beauty, and to outline what alcoholism is, the causes and effects of alcoholism, and how to get help if you or someone you know is an alcoholic. B. Portrayal of Alcoholism in Black Beauty In the novel Black Beauty, by Anna Sewell, alcoholism is portrayed as an evil that leads to cruel behaviour. It showcased how drunkenness leads to the downfall of Reuben Smith, his family, and Black BeautyRead MoreEffects Of Alcohol Abuse And Alcoholism1446 Words   |  6 Pagesfield of social work, a person should understand the effects of alcohol, not only on an individual, but also the effects on the families. Alcohol is one of the many substances that people use and abuse. Since alcohol is legal for any one over the age of twenty-one, many people begin drinking and then develop an addiction to the substance (Goldberg, 2016). Alcoholism effects people of all ages, background, social status, or ethnic group (National Institute on Drug Abuse, 2016). A social worker shouldRead MoreAlcoholism Essay910 Words   |  4 PagesAlcholism There are several different ways to describe substance abuse. So many people think that substance abuse only pertains to alcoholism. There is several other substances that may cause someone to be diagnosed with substance abuse disorder. Some of those things include: marijuana, alcohol, stimulants(cocaine and amphetamines), Hallucinogens, Inhalants, sedatives, and even nicotine. Even though some people may not see some of these things as things that may become addicting they are. More