Show Alcoholism in America Since the days of the classical Roman orgies orgies and and in fact long before that that that- man has been an of alcoholic beverages in some form There is little doubt that many of history's great decisions decisions de de- de affecting the courses of whole civilizations have been influenced by the presence of John Barleycorn In earlier times when disease and disability disability dis dis- dis ability were part of normal living formost formost for formost most people alcohol served the purpose of solace and anesthetic Seemingly it was never considered a disease in itself Today in America the story is somewhat somewhat some some- what different In a land where three quarters of the adults adults at one time or another dr drink alcoholic beverages al alcoholism at al is recognized as a disease that afflicts between 7 and 10 million per sons This means that at least one in every 20 and probably one in every 12 people over the age of 18 is an alcoholic Simply stated alcohol is becoming a national health hazard and is so recognized recognized by medical and health authorities In its Manual on Alcoholism prepared pre pared for use by the medical profession the American Medical Association addresses add itself to the of al al The Manual notes Alcoholics are treatable patients Because their Illness illness ill m. ness is a chronic disorder with toward relapse it should be approached in much the same manner as are other chronic and relapsing medical conditions The aim of treatment is then viewed view viewed view view- ed more as one of control than cure Medical coverage for alcoholism is becoming bec increasingly available through some health protection sources For example ex ample a survey in 1969 disclosed that benefits are available through some 75 percent of the Blue Shield and Blue Cross Cros Plans in the United States Many orga organizations 1 such as Alcoholics Anonymous as well as government sponsored government sponsored and state operated programs have been set up over the country in recent years to treat alcoholism The subject of alcoholism is particular ly timely at the moment January has been designated as Alcoholism Information matlon mation Month During January intensified intensified efforts are being made to present the true story of alcoholism in all of its aspects physical aspects physical mental economic and social No more Important contribution to this effort can be found than in il the pamphlet The Alcoholic American Is Is sued by Blue Shield It contains a wealth of down tc earth down earth information beginning be be- beginning ginning with the definition of alcoholism as a a human condition associated with the drinking of alcoholic beverages More specifically an al alcoholic is isan isan isan an individual who has lost control over his drinking and one drink means an an- other Anyone can become an alcoholic In Inthe Inthe Inthe the words of the Blue Shield Only three percent of the total alcoholic alcoholic alcoholic alco alco- holic population is on skid row Most persons suffering from alcoholism are found in homes offices places of business business bus bus- iness and in every walk of life lite The disease attacks without regard to social standing occupation intelligence ce education education edu edu- cation national origin color or race A small percentage have an an underlying psychosis and many have a personality disturbance However many are arc not noticeably different from the rest of us except in their addiction to alcohol Many alcoholics after recovery prove to be gifted talented generous responsible and idealistic people as well as good parents and good citizens Although it has been accepted as an illness science has yet to find the real cause of alcoholism One thing is certain it begins with the fact that three out of every four adults drink These drinkers fall into three categories the categories the normal drinker the alcohol dependent drinker and the alcoholic ON THE question of greatest concern- concern how to determine a departure from nornal nor nal the nal the Blue Shield offers very cry definite advice It says The first real symptom of possible danger is when a firm patten develops The second warning signal is when drinking within this pattern 1 Is markedly Increased For example if a individual used to have one or two drinks at the end of ot the day and now has three or four or has taken to drinking to induce sleep or because he is worried or depressed these depressed these and many other symptoms easily discernible point to alcoholism There Is no known cure for alcoholism But Dut facilities for treatment and rehabilitation are arc becoming widespread Alcoholism Al AI is one illness where the attitude attitude atti attl tude of the victim is all Important As the pamphlet concluded after an alcoholic alcoholic alco alco- holic is ready to accept assistance there are arc an endless number of individuals and organizations waiting to help |