Cultural background plays a large role in whether an individual is likely to develop alcoholism or not. For instance, Asians are at a higher rate of ‘flushing’, which is when redness and increased blood flow enters the face and neck area and involves other symptoms of over drinking. This can happen after a very small amount of alcohol, and most often with person of Japanese and Chinese decent. As a result, Asians feel the effects of alcohol, and potentially, alcohol poisoning, much faster than other ethnic communities. This puts Asians at a less likely probability of becoming alcoholics. (www.alcoholism.about.com)

A recent survey done in the U.S. looked at the alcohol consumption between Mexican immigrant women and second-generation Mexican women. The primary focus was on the change in drinking habits. The study found that of the emigrated Mexican women, only 25% drank once in the U.S. While looking at the first generation women, the percentage of those who dra

A new, and controversial, study on alcoholism is one connected with genetic and a possible alcoholism gene. (www.brainerd.com) It is believed that rather than a person developing into an alcoholic, their DNA predetermines it. The National Institute of Health is conducting the research. As of yet, there are many parts of a persons DNA that could lead to alcoholism and current research shows it may not be caused by a single gene. This multi-gene hypothesis is still under research and could change the perception of alcoholism in all societies, as well as the opinions on alcoholics and their families. Children's perceptions of parental drinking quantity and circumstances appear to influence their own drinking frequency. By seeing their parents drink, children underestimate the effects, and give in to drinking, as well. Alcohol exposure appears to be one of the systems explaining the relationship between paternal alcoholism and drinking among their children during college. (Porterfield, Kay Marie. Coping with an Alcoholic Parent. New York City: Rosen Publishing Group, 1985. Pg.81-129)

Underage teenagers in Minnesota admitted to having easy access to alcohol, either through friends, family members or co-workers. Today’s society gives children the impression that alcohol is ‘cool’ and gives them too many opportunities to become addicted to substances, like alcohol. This, in combination with the easy access that youth get to alcohol is leading to an increase in

Some topics in this essay:
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