The Destructive Growth of Alcoholism in America

drink intoxi shadowert has bring a past- meter for teenagers and adults during weekends. People in toxi depo habilitateation to relax, feel to a greater extent confident or to for grab temporarily any worries that they currently choose. Ein truth mavin k directs that intoxi goatt in continence do non harm ones soundbox or fond club at large. The problem lies when imbibition becomes uncontrollable and excessive. The well-disposed, health and mortality problems associated with intoxi substructuret stir been perceived as first as 1920s, which was when the somberness Move handst started.The usage of pelter sw whollyowic drinkic drinkic beverageic beverage began in 1600-1700. People drank alcoholic beverageic beverageic beverageic drinkic beverageic beverage be agent they had no contrasting alternative. The draw was unpasteurized and the water was unsanitary. In addition, the price of tea and coffee did not fit the budget of most tribe. agree to the denomi nation What in Americans bill could put cross looks to prohibition, the average American was potable 7 g for each one(prenominal)ons of pure alcohol. During the early social classs of the American colony, drunkenness was not viewed as offensive.The floor of soaking drink article enumerated how race in the colonies showed little concern oer drunkenness, in fact alcoholic liquors had become the greatest factors in colonial commerce. Later on, the demand for alcohol created Saloons where people could drink and take part in different stratum of vices. The memoir of intoxicant article stated that it was not uncommon to generate one saloon for every 150 or 200 Americans, including those who did not drink. troubled to earn profits, saloon lionizeers any(prenominal)times introduced vices such as gambling and prostitution into their establishments in an go about to earn profits. However, people soon realized that alcohol drinkers acted differently and far worse after th ey rush consumed liquor. obstacle or temperance, which simply meant a reduction or elimination of the use up of alcoholic beverages, was enacted to combat these mixer ills that were developing due to the effectuate of alcohol.Hence, consort to the History of alcoholic beverage, in 1920 America saw prohibition in an motility to prevent the social problems pull ind by alcohol abuse. Thornton, an economics professor, expressed that during 1920-1933, national prohibition of alcohol in the US was a dread sample- undertaken to overturn crime and corruption, solve social problems, reduce the valuate burden created by prisons and poor peoplehouses, and improve health and hygiene in America. Supporters of the Temperance Movement firmly believed that alcohol had addictive properties. In addition, the History of inebriant stated that the Temperance movement swept across the coupled States pr to each oneing that alcohol was immoral and destroyed family life. The same article withal says that the benevolent intentions of the Temperance Movement fin entirelyy materialized when the government included the discharge on alcohol in the 18th Amendment, which took amodal value the production line licenses of brewers, di be quieters, vintners, and the in large quantities and retail sellers, of the Constitution. in spite of genuine concern ab bulge disclose the negative effects of alcohol, liquor cannot be eliminated from the market.The History of intoxicant states that people started to bootleg alcohol from Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean- since Americans were prohibited from producing liquor- to cater to their growing customers. Organized crime was established to invite the increasing demand of the public for the prohibited product. According to the What in Americans recital could control to prohibition article, the illegal nature of alcohol led fell organizations to lapse to real crimes in defense of sales territories, brand names, and wear upon c on portions. Eventually, the government realized that their efforts only increased the reliance on alcohol and made the social ills imposed by it more severe. Therefore, they repealed prohibition in 1933. Even though the Temperance Movement was dissolved, the condemnable groups that were formed out of it becalm remained intact. These groups branched out into narcotics, gambling, prostitution, loan sharking and extortion, concerns they still control today, according to The History of alcoholic beverage article. Moreover, societal problems incurred from alcohol overly affect family dynamics.P bents who forever and a day drink might end up spending more time outside the house and neglect their responsibilities to their babyren and spouse. Thus, the article authorise Scientific Facts on intoxicant brought up the point that drinking can blow how a psyche performs as a p arnt, and a partner as well. Likewise, the Scientific Facts on alcoholic drinkic indicated that the financi al prices of alcohol purchase can submit other family members destitute. This is be start p arnts whitethorn end up using their salary to control their habit to the extent that their children become hungry in the cover.Children of alcoholics may not be adequately taken c are of as well because their funda amiable needs, such as clothing and shelter, are not provided for because indulgence in the habit makes their parents lose focus on what is important in their lives. The noisome effects of alcohol become exacerbated to the point that it manifests itself in strong-arm hysteria or abuse towards other people. A relationship might be jeopardized because the man, as is usually the look, beats up his wife or daughter after consuming extensive amount of liquor. The wife or girl has a toleration limit in allowing this kind of dismal treatment.After a duration, she is wince to leave him if the behavior does not stop or improve. Information contained in the alcoholic drink an d Women article provided by Loyola Marymount University states that 57% of female victims experience intimate abandon (i. e. , current or former spouses, boyfriends, etc. ) and reported that the offender had been imbibition at the time of the offense. While 62% of female victims of alcohol- link up madness reported experiencing some form of injury. Unfortunately, these victimized women cook a high likelihood of glutinous by their man.As a allow for, they may end up alcohol addiction as well to deal with the abuse that they experience. Furthermore, the article entitled alcoholic drink, Violence, and Aggression notes that predatory behavior of alcohol drinkers result in 86 percent of homicide offenders, 37 percent of assault offenders, 60 percent of sexual offenders, up to 57 percent of men and 27 percent of women involved in marital violence, and 13 percent of child abusers. Excessive alcohol drinkers engage in such actions because according to the Alcohol, Violence, and Aggression article, alcohol has been known toweaken brain mechanisms that usually restrain impulsive behaviors, including inappropriate aggression. By impairing information transiting, alcohol can besides lead a individual to misjudge social cues, thereby overreacting to a perceived threat. Simultaneously, a narrowing of financial aid may lead to an inaccurate assessment of the future risks of acting on an immediate furious impulse. Besides aggressive behavior that is exhibited due to the lessening of inhibition, ease of fundamental interaction amongst a group of people also ensues.Thus, men usually drink with acquaintances or colleagues at consummation to develop rapport and comradeship. Hence, the Alcohol and the work article indicate that studies of male-dominated occupations collect described flagitious drinking cultures in which workers use drinking to figure of speech solidarity and show conformity to the group. On the contrary, alcohol can be harmful in the workp lace when an individuals job work suffers. Limitless alcohol use of goods and services can result in people suffering from a hangover the following day, which affects and hampers concentration, memory and motor skill.Thus, the Alcohol and the Workplace article state that hangover has a positive correlational statistics between the frequency of feeling sick at work, sleeping on the job, and having problems with job tasks or co-workers. The same article also mentions that productivity outragees are attributed to alcohol. Performance at work may be alter both by the volume and pattern of drinking. Co-workers perceive that heavy drinkers grant lower performance, problems in mortalal relationships and lack of self- selection, though drinkers themselves do not necessarily perceive effects on their work performance.In addition, the aforementioned article also explains that There is fertile show up that people with alcohol colony and drinking problems are on sick leave more muc h than other employees, with a significant cost to employees, employers, and social security systems. Therefore, incessant and excessive alcohol consumption can negatively affect work performance. Persistent pattern of alcohol drinking becomes a problem because it does not enable the employee to finish tasks, has a drastic effect on ones production at work and will hurt the company in the long haul if an employee repeatedly accumulates absences.Nevertheless, the negative concern of alcohol on someones means of livelihood is still not enough to detract people from taking it. Writer Caroline Ryan of BBC News says that the reason being is alcohol triggers the internal composition of our body. Alcohol releases dopamine which which produces feelings of satisfaction. It also increases the production of the brains lifelike painkiller endorphin which scientists think could be the means by which the brain becomes train to crave. Scientists believe this effect is part of the developme nt of tolerance to, and addiction on, alcohol. Also, excessive alcohol drinking can contribute to health issues. According to Dr. Berman, alcohol can either directly or indirectly cause cancers of the mouth, throat, liver, larynx, and esophagus stomach ulcers and bleeding in the upper gastrointestinal tract pancreatitis cirrhosis of the liver of the liver hypertension cardiac arrhythmias congestive heart unsuccessful person peripheral nerve problems increased susceptibility to infections. Nissl, author of Alcohol and dose Problems, also indicates that long-term heavy drinking damages the nervous system, heart, and brain.It also can lead to stomach problems, medicine interactions, sexual problems, osteoporosis While an article entitled Alcohol Myth says that sparse drinking will still result in the slowing pig of the heart rate, lowering of your blood pressure, and slowing of your breathing rate. Also, food digestion is control from in full functioning. The Alcohol and Nutr ition article exhibits that alcohol interferes with the nutritionary process by affecting digestion, storage, utilization, and voiding of nutrients Alcohol inhibits the breakdown of nutrients into usable moleculesAlcohol impairs nutrient absorption by damage the cells run along the stomach and intestines and disqualifying transport of some nutrients into the blood Even if nutrients are digested and absorbed, alcohol can prevent them from being fully utilized by altering their transport, storage, and excretion alcohol can impair the mechanisms by which the body controls blood glucose levels, resulting in either increased or decreased blood glucose. Again, the said article also explains that lack of nutrients can result in deficiencies that can lead to severe and permanent effects on brain function.Specifically, thiamine deficiencies, a good deal seen in alcoholics, which can cause severe neurological problems such as impaired movement and memory loss. It is also a fact that me ntal and emotionally faculties can also be affected. According to Green Facts, anxiety, headache and first are common problems encountered by family members of an alcoholic and the alcoholic himself. For alcoholics, the wherefore Do People Drink Alcohol article discusses that alcohol dream actually causes depression since alcohol is a depressant.While feelings of a deject person is magnified two-folds when depression medicine stays in the system at the same time that alcohol is in ones body. Despite the health risks involve with excessive alcohol consumption, some women may still engage in the act even when they are pregnant. According to Nemours Foundation, its estimated that each year in the fall in States, 1 in every 750 infants is natural with a pattern of physical, developmental, and functional problems referred to as fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS), small-arm another 40,000 are born(p) with fetal alcohol effects (FAE). fetal Alcohol Syndrome results in birth defects in i nfants that can debilitate or permanently damage ones normal capabilities and functioning. Indeed, alcohol can become toxic when there is too much of it. Infinite amount of liquor can be the cause of stopping point for a relatively few people. This unsuccessful incident is known as alcohol poisoning, also called acute alcohol intoxication. The Alcohol Myth article explains that in this specific instance, alcohol acts as a poison that attacks the body and results in death.On a lighter note, a mild form of sleep disturbance can be induce by alcohol especially among college students who usually have the notion that alcohol is not as bad as what people claim it to be. The Alcohol and Sleep article points out that the more one drinks, the alacritous the person will fall asleep, but the likelihood of sleep disturbances increases. Alcohol consumed up to 6 hours before bedtime can affect sleep patterns. And we are all aware that lack of sleep can make a person feel easily irritated and unfocused on the tasks at hand.Also, we should not exclude the fact that financial costs can dampen ones addressable resources. According to Estimating the Economic Cost of Alcohol roast article, the health cost of alcohol dependency behavior which include medical, alcohol abuse and dependence treatment does not come cheap. Furthermore, hospital bills and medical inconvenience does not end there. Accidents caused by drunk driving, which endanger public safety, can fall more damages to the physical and financial well-being of a person. Also, mental irregularities can happen when an alcoholic attempts to commit suicide.According to Women and Alcohol article, 40% of alcoholic women attempted to commit suicide, compared to 8. 8% of non-alcoholic women. While younger women who are alcoholics are nearly double as likely to attempt to commit suicide (50. 5%) than aged(a) women who are alcoholics (25. 5%). Tendencies like this transpire because a person is emotionally unstable. The ma in reason why alcoholics turn to alcohol for comfort is to mute their feelings or to forget their problems. They fail to realize that trying to forget nigh their unpleasant situation is only fleeting and does not solve anything in the long-run.For instance, the wherefore Do People Drink Alcohol article explains that drinking alcohol to deal with a break up or death in ones family delays the healing process because the people arent giving themselves a chance to heal. This is because they are not confronting their problem and let themselves experience emotions that naturally surface in this kind of circumstance. Hence, the behavior that they are engaging in-regularly drinking loads of alcohol-does not help them at all even though they will like to think so otherwise.Thus, immense alcohol consumption may unfortunately lead to death. According to Dr. Berman, the third base atomic number 82 cause of mortality in the United States, and is responsible for some 100,000 preventable d eaths per year, is alcohol. Hence, premature death due to excessive alcohol consumption is within our ability to control and avoid from happening. Also, if death does not amount due to reckless driving, diseases that take over the body gradually-as was mentioned earlier- can also take away ones life.If an alcoholic somehow manages to stay out of harms way, alcohol can contribute to risky behaviors like unprotected sexual activity, use of tobacco and illegal drugs. The article entitled Alcohol An Addictive medicine tackles the fact that alcohol is frequently the entry-level drug that leads to harder drugs, such as cocain and heroin. These acts that may seem harmless-especially to those actively taking part in the habit- cost the government money because they shoulder any expense that is brought up. This is because in force(p) law enforcement has to be increased and strengthened via mandatory regular information to deal with misdemeanors.Also, according to Estimating the Econom ic Cost of Alcohol Abuse article, other parts of society are involved like the criminal justice system, social welfare administration- just to name a few- to ensure that society is not greatly troubled by the reckless behavior that alcoholics enact. Overall, demarcation line and prohibition of alcohol will never be successful as demonstrated by the Temperance Movement. This is because people find ways to get around the system and defy laws that go against what they want to do with their private lives.The key to the problems that alcohol presents is not to eliminate the source of the problem, in this case alcohol itself, but to educate young people just about the ominous effects that alcohol places on them and on society as a whole. Also, tough enforcement of established laws regarding alcohol should be done. In addition, assistance should be available and given to alcoholics so that violence, alcohol craving and health issues that they have are addressed in a timely manner. Fin ally, people should keep in mind that alcohol does not solve anything.It only creates or increases the existing problems that one faces. Additionally, people have the power to change the glamorized notions about alcohol consumption-how it is the in thing to do because all the cool kids are doing it- and its supposed positive effects which mostly deals with a smoother social interaction with other people. The media plays a crucial role in ever-changing this persistent view. The media should stress-via their print publication, billboard ads, television and radio programs- that the negative impact of alcohol outweighs any positive impact that may be derived from it.Also, it is indispensable that alcoholics are aided in finding ways to control their urges and direct it to an outlet that will be more beneficial for them. It will also be important to make people aware that proper and support alcohol consumption is an obligation that they should perform and abide by at all times because it is for their best interest. Hence, alcohol regulations serve people by protecting their well-being. References Alcohol and Sleep. (2006). Loyola Marymount University. Alcohol and the Nutrition. October 1993. Alcohol Alert.22. 29 January 2008. interior(a) fetch on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. Alcohol and the Workplace. July 1999. Alcohol Alert. 44. 29 January 2008. National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. Alcohol Myths. (2006). Loyola Marymount University. 30 January 2008. Alcohol, Violence, and Aggression. October 1997. Alcohol Alert. 38. 29 January 2008. National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. Berman, James. January 2003. Alcohol and drug addiction. University of Pennsylvania Health System. 29 January 2008 fetal Alcohol Syndrome. 2008. Nemours Foundation. 30 January 2008. History of Alcohol. (n. d). 30 January 2008 Nissl, Ian. 23 February 2007. Alcohol and Drug Problems. peace treaty Health. 29 January 2008. Ryan, Caroline. Why alcohol is addictive. 15 March 2004. BBC News. 30 January 2008. http//news. bbc. co. uk/2/hi/health/3537387. stm Scientific Facts on Alcohol. (2008). Green Facts. 29 January 2008. The History of Alcohol. (2005). Drug-Rehabs. org 30 January 2008. Thornton, M. (1991). Alcohol prohibition was a failure. CATO institute. 30 January 2008. Walters, G. D. (2002).The heritability of alcohol abuse and dependence a meta-analysis of behavior genetic research. American diary of Drug and Alcohol Abuse, 28(3), 557- 584. What in Americans history could lead to prohibition? (n. d). 30 January 2008. Why Do People Drink Alcohol? (n. d) 30 January 2008. Women and Alcohol. (2006). Loyola Marymount University. 30 January 2008. Alcoholism in America I. History of Alcohol A.lack of other drink alternatives B. American Revolution C. Emergence of Saloons D. Temperance Movement 1. Definition of Temperance 2. Reasons for the movement 3. Problem with Temperance II. Personal Problem with Alcohol now A. Famil y problem 1. ineffective parent 2. money spent on alcohol instead B. Violence 1. between partners a. statistical information b. victimized women 2. statistics of criminal offenses C. Alcohol at the workplace 1. reason to bond especially with men 2. negative effect on work performance a. productivity b. absence D. Alcohol Cravings E. health problem 1. damages parts of the body2. slows down visible functions 3. interferes with digestion process 4. nutritional deficiencies 5. mental health problem 6. fetal alcohol syndrome 7. alcohol poisoning 8. sleep disturbances 9. health related costs F. Accidents 1. different damages accrued 2. suicide statistical evidence G. Deaths 1. statistical evidence III. Other negative effects of alcohol A. Vices associated with alcohol B. Government expenditures musical note cards page Alcohol, like nicotine and marijuana, is frequently the entry-level drug that leads to harder drugs, such as cocaine and heroin. Alcohol An Addictive Drug. (2006). Covena nt Health. 30 January 2008. The nutrients from digested food are absorbed from the intestines into the blood and carried to the liver. The liver prepares nutrients either for immediate use or for storage and future use. Alcohol inhibits the breakdown of nutrients into usable molecules by change magnitude secretion of digestive enzymes from the pancreas (2). Alcohol impairs nutrient absorption by damaging the cells lining the stomach and intestines and disabling transport of some nutrients into the blood (3).In addition, nutritional deficiencies themselves may lead to further absorption problems. For example, folate deficiency alters the cells lining the small intestine, which in turn impairs absorption of water and nutrients including glucose, sodium, and additional folate (3). Even if nutrients are digested and absorbed, alcohol can prevent them from being fully utilized by altering their transport, storage, and excretion Even when food consumption is adequate, alcohol can impa ir the mechanisms by which the body controls blood glucose levels, resulting in either increased or decreased blood glucose (glucose is the bodys principal sugar)Alcohol and the Nutrition. October 1993. Alcohol Alert. 22. 29 January 2008. National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. Disturbances of sleep lead to fatigue and sleepiness during the day. The more one drinks, the faster the person will fall asleep, but the likelihood of sleep disturbances increases. Alcohol consumed up to 6 hours before bedtime can affect sleep patterns, increasingthe seniority of disturbances alcohol causes in the bodys sleep cycles. Alcohol and Sleep. (2006). Loyola Marymount University. Studies of male-dominated occupations have described heavy drinking cultures in which workers use drinking to build solidarity and show conformity to the group (4,5). Some male-dominated occupations therefore tend to have high rates of heavy drinking and alcohol-related problems. Alcohol and the Workplace . July 1999. Alcohol Alert. 44. 29 January 2008. National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. Myth The shell thing that can happen is that Ill pass out and have a hangover tomorrow. The fact is that death can and does occur from drinking too much alcohol. This is known as alcohol poisoning or acute alcohol intoxication and occurs when the level of alcohol in the body acts as a poison, causing death from the drug overdose. Another way that alcohol can cause death is due to alcohol related accidents, such as drunk driving, falls, and suicide. Myth People pass out from drinking all the time. Its nothing to worry about. Alcohol is a central nervous system depressant that works to slow down the heart rate, lower your blood pressure, and slow your breathing rate.Once your brain has been depressed enough by the alcohol, you pass out. Alcohol Myths. (2006). Loyola Marymount University. 30 January 2008. Based on published studies, Roizen (3) summarized the percentages of violent offenders who were drinking at the time of the offense as follows up to 86 percent of homicide offenders, 37 percent of assault offenders, 60 percent of sexual offenders, up to 57 percent of men and 27 percent of women involved in marital violence, and 13 percent of child abusers. Direct Effects of Alcohol.Alcohol may encourage aggression or violence by disrupting normal brain function. According to the disinhibition hypothesis, for example, alcohol weakens brain mechanisms that normally restrain impulsive behaviors, including inappropriate aggression (5). By impairing information processing, alcohol can also lead a person to misjudge social cues, thereby overreacting to a perceived threat (6). Simultaneously, a narrowing of attention may lead to an inaccurate assessment of the future risks of acting on an immediate violent impulse (7) Alcohol, Violence, and Aggression. October 1997. Alcohol Alert. 38. 29 January 2008.National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. The Danger s of Alcohol Alcohol is the third leading cause of mortality in the United States, and is responsible for approximately 100,000 preventable deaths per year. alcohol abuse can cause long term problems in virtually every organ system in your body including 4. Cancers of the mouth, throat, larynx, and esophagus 5. Stomach ulcers and bleeding in the upper gastrointestinal tract 6. Pancreatitis, cirrhosis of the liver, and liver cancer 7. Hypertension, cardiac arrhythmias, and congestive heart failure8. Sexual dysfunction, including loss of libido and impotence 9. Peripheral nerve problems 10. Increased susceptibility to infections Berman, James. January 2003. Alcohol and drug addiction. University of Pennsylvania Health System. 29 January 2008 Alcohol (wine, beer, or liquor) is the leading known preventable cause of mental and physical birth defects in the United States. When a woman drinks alcohol during pregnancy, she risks giving birth to a child who will pay the price in mental an d physical deficiencies for his or her entire life.Yet many pregnant women do drink alcohol. Its estimated that each year in the United States, 1 in every 750 infants is born with a pattern of physical, developmental, and functional problems referred to as fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS), while another 40,000 are born with fetal alcohol effects (FAE). Fetal Alcohol Syndrome. 2008. Nemours Foundation. 30 January 2008. In the 1890 the Temperance movement swept across the United States preaching that alcohol was immoral and destroyed family life. This movement radically altered peoples viewsIn 1920 America saw prohibition in an effort to prevent the social problems caused by alcohol abuse. This caused a surge in gangster brawls as gangs fought to take control of distributing alcohol on the dusky market. However, this trend slowly started to alter as physicians started to link alcohol to a number of diseases and social problems. By the early 1900 Dr Rush authenticated the addictive be haviour of alcohol and in 1935 Alcoholic Anonymous was set up. History of Alcohol. (n. d). 30 January 2008 Alcohol-related motor vehicle accidents are the leading cause of death in teenagers. People who drink alcohol are more likely to engage in high-risk sexual behavior, have poor grades or job performance, use tobacco products, and experiment with illegal drugs. long-run heavy drinking damages the liver, nervous system, heart, and brain. It also can lead to high blood pressure, stomach problems, medicine interactions, sexual problems, osteoporosis, and cancer. Nissl, Ian. 23 February 2007. Alcohol and Drug Problems. Peace Health. 29 January 2008. Alcohol triggers the release of dopamine a chemical which produces feelings of satisfaction. It also increases the production of the brains natural painkiller endorphin which scientists think could be the means by which the brain becomes trained to crave. Ryan, Caroline. Why alcohol is addictive. 15 March 2004. BBC News. 30 Janua ry 2008. http//news. bbc. co. uk/2/hi/health/3537387. stm 73% reported feelings of anxiety, fear, and depression Heavy drinking at the workplace may potentially lower productivity.Sickness absences associated with harmful use of alcohol and alcohol dependence entails a substantial cost to employees and social security systems. There is ample evidence that people with alcohol dependence and problem drinkers have higher(prenominal) rates of sickness absence than other employees. lower performance, lack of autonomy and problems in personal relations were found to be related to heavy drinking, particularly when collateral reports were used. alcoholism has had adverse impacts on productivity in the workplace and increased absenteeism.It is estimated that drinking and alcoholism have reduced crowd productivity by some 10% Drinking can impair performance as a parent, as spouse or partner, and as a contributor to household functioning. In many societies, drinking may be carried out prima rily outside the family and the home. Drinking also costs money and can impact upon resources particularly of a poor family, leaving other family members destitute. Scientific Facts on Alcohol. (2008). Green Facts. 29 January 2008. Americans during the time of the American Revolution, for the most part showed little concern over drunkenness, and spiritous liquors had become the greatest factors in colonial commerce. To hold out the sale of beer, brewers expanded the number of saloons. Saloons proliferated. It was not uncommon to find one saloon for every 150 or 200 Americans, including those who did not drink. Hard-pressed to earn profits, saloonkeepers sometimes introduced vices such as gambling and prostitution into their establishments in an attempt to earn profits. Many Americans considered saloons offensive, noxious institutionsProhibition in the United States was a measure designed to reduce drinking by eliminating the businesses that manufactured, distributed, and intercha nge alcoholic beverages. The Eighteenth Amendment to the U. S. Constitution took away license to do business from the brewers, distillers, vintners, and the wholesale and retail sellers of alcoholic beverages. The bootleggers (named after the practice adopted by travelers in the Midwest in the 1880s, who concealed liquor in their boots when profession with Indians) began by importing booze over the Mexican and Canadian borders, and from the CaribbeanWhen Prohibition was repealed in 1933, an elaborate syndicate of organized crime, built on the multi-million horse bootlegging industry, had survived. The American Mafia branched out into narcotics, gambling, prostitution, loan sharking and extortion, concerns they still control today. The History of Alcohol. (2005). Drug-Rehabs. org 30 January 2008. National prohibition of alcohol (1920-33)the noble experimentwas undertaken to reduce crime and corruption, solve social problems, reduce the tax burden created by prisons and poorhouses , and improve health and hygiene in America.The results of that experiment clearly indicate that it was a miserable failure on all counts. Thornton, M. (1991). Alcohol prohibition was a failure. CATO institute. 30 January 2008. In the 1600 and 1700s, there were very few things available to drink. unmatched did not want to take a lot of chances with the water and the unpasteurized milk of the time. Also, coffee and tea were expensive items, which left people of the time with one alternative, alcohol.By the 1820s the average American was drinking 7 gallons of pure alcohol. Criminal groups organize around the steady source of income provided by laws against victimless crimes such as consuming alcohol or drugs, gambling and prostitution. In the process of providing goods and services those criminal organizations resort to real crimes in defense of sales terrorities, brand names, and labor contracts What in Americans history could lead to prohibition? (n. d). 30 January 2008. It is impossible to treat depression whilst someone is drinking as the alcohol has the opposite action to the drugs cocksure for depression and of course alcohol itself being a depressant may actually be causing the symptoms quite than treating them. If people find they are frequently using alcohol to cope with stressful and worrying situations in their lives then they may need to consider finding another way of dealing with stress or to face the problem and deal with it rather than avoiding it.Alcohol cannot solve these problems and will always cause more problems of its own in terms of health and money etc. In situations such as bereavement or relationship break ups, it actually delays the healing process because the people arent giving themselves a chance to heal. Why Do People Drink Alcohol? (n. d) 30 January 2008. Suicide 3. One study showed that 40% of alcoholic women attempted to commit suicide, compared to 8. 8% of non-alcoholic women. 10 4.Younger women who are alcoholics ar e nearly twice as likely to attempt to commit suicide (50. 5%) than older women who are alcoholics (25. 5%). 10 Victimization13 2. 57% of female victims of intimate violence (i. e. , current or former spouses, boyfriends, etc. ) reported that the offender had been drinking at the time of the offense. 3. 62% of female victims of alcohol-related violence reported experiencing some form of injury. Women and Alcohol. (2006). Loyola Marymount University. 30 January 2008.