Javier Quintero
Research Paper: HS 10
Margaret Ellis
WATS: Friday
Alcohol abuse is one of the most widespread problems of choice in our society. It been
associated to a long list of negative physical, mental, and social effects including: death, suicide,
violence, crime, binge drinking, emotional instability, risky behavior, increased risk of getting an
STI, obesity, kidney damage, embryo damage and childhood leukemia, a wide variety of chronic
diseases, injury, depression, stroke, heart disease, breast cancer, diabetes, alcohol dependency
and alcoholism, youth drinking, delayed puberty and bone growth, reduced fertility, psychiatric
disorders, as a gateway to other substance abuse, driving under the influence, dementia, stroke,
high blood pressure, blood clots, and a variety of stomach diseases (Foster, Marriot, dated
4/9/11).
Alcohol abuse has accounted for some astounding statistics. According to
(www.brad21.org, dated 6/28/11), it is the most misused drug in the US with one third of
homicides, one half of car accidents, and one third of suicides associated with alcohol misuse.
Another incredible fact stated by the source is that it is the number one date rape drug. The most
at risk group are young adults, where “alcohol consumption by college students is linked to at
least 1,400 student deaths and 500,000 unintentional injuries each year.” “According to recent
alcohol statistics, approximately 9.7 million current drinkers in the United States are between the
ages of 12-20. Regarding these young drinkers, 18.7% are binge drinkers and 6% are excessive
drinkers.” Of the people who go to a trauma center, 68% have an alcohol or drug problem
(www.about-alcohol-abuse.com, dated 3/30/12). “Alcohol is tightly linked with more violent
crimes than crack, cocaine, heroin, or any other illegal drug…In fact, alcohol abuse has been
identified as a significant fact in 40 percent of violent crimes committed in the United States”
(Read, dated 1/1/12). “As much as 50 percent of police work is spent addressing alcohol-related
problems in our nation. This would mean that the annual cost to law enforcement agencies is at
least $7.5 billion dollars” (www.about-alcohol-abuse.com, dated 3/30/12).
Research on the portrayal of alcohol in the media today enforces that the use of alcohol is
seen as a lucrative activity “by the fact that the individuals show using alcohol are celebrities,
wealthy, professional, successful, and attractive” (www.encyclopedia.jrank.org, dated 1/1/12).
“To some college students, heavy drinking that leads to vomiting is not alcohol abuse but simply
having a good time and being one of the gang” (www.potsdam.edu, dated 6/14/11). Since the
defeat of prohibition in 1933, the negative effects of alcohol are almost certainly going to
continue in our society for generations to come.
I am writing on alcohol for a number of reasons. One reason in particular is that my
family has had a long-history of alcoholics and I felt that it was imperative for me to better
