Our Boozin' Society: The Role of Alcohol in American Culture and Tradition

A champagne toast is a tradition at every wedding. Poured wine is served during the Christian Communion and represents the blood of Christ. Alcohol is not only part of most social activities; it has become a tradition over the centuries. Alcohol is accepted by society and often associated with a "good time", yet alcohol consumption and abuse is responsible for the death of over 100,000 people in the United States every year. Alcohol is "the most commonly used and widely abused psychoactive drug in the world." (gdcada.org). It negatively effects family and health, it increases mortality rates and crime, and has more negative long-term effects on society than any other illicit drug.

Many would argue that alcohol is not considered a drug, when in fact ethyl alcohol, or ethanol, is an extremely addictive drug by definition, "a substance which when absorbed into a living organism may modify one or more of its functions" (Alcohol Controversies). Alcohol dependence and addiction are the result of habitual drinking. Dependence and addiction to alcohol can lead to substance withdrawals which include shaking, sleeplessness, vomiting, hallucinations, and even seizures. Alcohol is considered a depressant of the central nervous system, and is by definition the world's oldest known drug (Washington.edu). Although drinking is by far the most socially accepted mind altering substance, because of growing knowledge of its negative effects, it is no longer tolerable for one to put themselves and others in danger due to excessive drinking.

With all its negative effects on society, alcohol must be strictly regulated. Unfortunately there is only so much that can be done. Alcohol is controlled by the Government's specific laws, regulations, and taxes. In the year 1920 the government attempted to ban alcohol through what we know today to be the prohibition. The 18^th Amendment stated that alcohol could not be manufactured, sold, imported, exported, or transported in the United States (Washington.edu). The prohibition failed miserably extending crime to "organized crime" and increasing government spending. Alcohol consumers then turned to more dangerous drugs that may have been more readily available. Although the prohibition had a negative affect on society, a valuable lesson remains. Although it has many negative effects, alcohol is and will always be a part of the American economy and culture.

Another negative effect that alcohol causes for society is its appeal to the young. As a part of culture and tradition, the act of consuming alcohol is passed from adults to children. It is also greatly advertised on TV and radio commercials, billboards, and the internet. Alcohol is the drug of choice for most of America's youth, and is responsible for 6 ½ times more deaths than all other illicit drugs put together (gdcada.org). This may be because it is the most readily available drug; typically found in almost every home across America. For these reasons, alcohol is the most commonly used drug among the youth.

Often times, alcoholism and alcohol abuse result from drinking at a young age. This can lead to serious health problems as an adult. Liver disease, or cirrhosis of the liver, is the most common of these health problems, and is among one of the top 10 causes of death in the United States ( Health The Basics). The nervous system (primarily the brain) is directly affected by alcohol. Depending on how much alcohol is consumed, and how many brain cells are destroyed, the effects can be anything from memory loss to permanent brain damage. Alcohol also affects the cardiovascular system in many ways, causing high blood pressure and heart disease. Alcohol is also directly associated with certain forms of cancer, especially throughout the digestive system, and it lowers the immune system. Another very serious health issue is Fetal Alcohol Syndrome, which is a disorder of the fetus resulting from alcohol consumption during pregnancy disrupting normal brain development." ( Health The Basics). "Its effects are mental retardation, small head, tremors, and abnormalities of the face, limbs, heart, and brain." ( Health The Basics).

Alcohol may also be the cause for an increase in crime rates. Certain types of crime are often associated with alcohol consumption and alcohol abuse. Domestic violence, child abuse, and neglect are often associated with alcohol abuse in family life. Rape is another crime that is often accompanied by alcohol. Sometimes in a rape case it is the victim who has consumed alcohol making them more susceptible. Drinking and driving is also a crime and a major concern for society. Over half of all highway related deaths are involved with alcohol (Alcohol - A Potent Drug). There are many groups and associations that fight against alcohol abuse and dunk driving such as MADD or Mothers against drunk driving. Their goal is to reduce drunk driving by pushing for laws to be passed, and by educating the community of the risks taken when that choice is made. Because of groups like these, and society realizing what the results of alcohol can be, it is no longer acceptable to abuse alcohol.

Although the advertisement, sale, and consumption of alcohol are still legal, as its negative effects become better known, society has begun to look at it in a different way. Alcohol is still a part of American culture and tradition, yet often times non-alcoholic substitutions are made. Alcohol is a drug problem and a health risk (Alcohol - A Potent Drug). The only solution for society is to make the negative long-term effects of alcohol well known.