Alcoholism is a chronic disease and can last a lifetime if it is not treated. It is comprised of four major symptoms craving and loss of control, physical dependence and tolerance. The disorder is characterized by a pathological pattern of alcohol use that causes a serious impairment in social and occupational functioning. It is not a lifestyle choice; it’s a disease and impairment of the body’s health that prevents a person from functioning normally. Once one is diagnosed as an alcoholic they can never be cured. They can never consume drinks normally again and whethe

These vary from minor developmental deficits to fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) to birth defects. This is one way in which an alcoholic parent will physically affect their child. Prematurity, low birth rates; characteristic facial features and brain damage may all be present at birth as a result of FAS while learning, behavioral, and emotional problems are common in adolescents and adults.

There are certain human needs that are usually met in normal personal relationships: to love and be loved, to be needed and accepted and to have security and a sense of accomplishment. When alcoholism develops in a family member, there is little chance of these needs being met. As the disease progresses negative feelings develop and communication breaks down, relationships become so distorted that nobody has a healthy sense of self. Although the alcoholic is anesthetized from much of the pain of daily problems, the family members are not; as a result they must experience the alcoholic's suffering as well as their own. Although families may resent this, it is rare that the learn how to avoid it. Family members often become fearful of the unpredictable consequences of drinking, the mood swings, anger, tension, and sometimes-even violence. They may fear the family will break up. As the disease place more unfair demands on the family, resentment and anger grows.

- Growth deficiencies such as low birth weight, decelerating weight over time and disproportionately low weight to height ratio.

The effects as well as consequences of FAS result with individuals with distinct pattern of facial abnormalities, growth deficiency and evidence of central nervous system dysfunction. In addition to mental retardation, individuals with FAS may have lack of neurological nerves resulting in lack of motor skills and poor eye hand coordination .They may also have a complex pattern of behavioral and learning problems, including difficulties with memory, attention and judgment. As many as twelve thousand infants each year are born with FAS. Countless b

Some topics in this essay:
, Alcohol Syndrome, Death Syndrome, FAS Countless, alcoholic parent, fetal alcohol, sexual abuse, fetal alcohol syndrome, alcohol syndrome, physical sexual abuse, form close relationships, women drink, family alcoholism, close relationships, consume drinks, form close, domestic violence,