The serious issue of Addiction

 America has been abusing alcohol for years. It is time we as a society make a change. Addiction is a serious issue that takes over the lives of many people. The history of alcohol and bars in America can help us understand why addiction is so normalized in our society. Alcoholism is becoming a normalized part of our society. This article will dive deeper into addiction within our country and how the modern-day bar scene normalizes this behavior. 

 

Throughout history, the role of alchohol in America has changed over the years. The Temprence movement in the 19th century attempted to rid alcohol in this country and eventually led to prohibition. Despite the efforts to get rid of alcohol, secret taverns, saloons, and speakeasies continued to opetate during this time. In 1933, the prohibition movement ended and alcohol returned to the lives of American people. (Ridge) Despite the negative effects of Alcohol, the prohibition movement ultimately failed. “Despite serious concerns about teen drinking, fetal alcohol syndrome, and drunk driving in the decades that followed, alcohol once again took its place as an important part of American culture” (Gershon).

 

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The growing bar culture in America led to alcohol use becoming more normalized. Bars are created and designed to want to keep customers drinking. “...In fact, bars are designed to be boring if you’re sober, providing all the more incentive to keep drinking” (Eyal). The bar is designed to keep people drinking and have them coming back for more.(Eyal) Drinking culture has also expanded in America because it is customary in many of our traditions. Holidays such as New Year's Eve, as well as sometimes Christmas and Thanksgiving have begun to include alcohol to the yearly traditions. Weddings, toasts, and even some religious events are all other traditions that we as Americans drink for. This becomes a problem when people view drinking as a normal and accepted part of society. This can make it extremely difficult to notice whether or not yourself or your loved ones are struggling with some kind of alcohol abuse.  

 

Alcoholism is the chronic and progressive illness involving excessive and inappropriate ingestion of alcohol. It is characterized by an emotional and physical dependence of alcohol. (Funk & Wagnalls New World Encyclopedia) The condition is believed to be caused by a combination of a wide range from physiological, phycological, social, and genetic factors. (Funk & Wagnalls New World Encyclopedia) Approximately 27.9 million people ages 12 and older are affected by some kind of alcohol use disorder in the United States in 2024. That is about 9.7% of the population. (National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism) Currently, 13.9% of the population in the United States reports being affected by some kind of alcohol use disorder, compared to 8.7% in the United Kingdom and 8% in Canada. (Morris)

 

Alcohol abuse has serious effects. People diagnosed with alcoholism exhibit patterns such as failure to meet school, work, and home obligations, jeopardizing relationships with friends or family, or engaging in risky or illegal behavior. (Funk & Wagnalls New World Encyclopedia) There are various health issues linked to alcoholism, including early death or brain damage. “Heavy drinking is associated with an increased risk for certain types of cancer, notably tumors of the liver, esophagus, larynx, and colon” (Funk & Wagnalls New World Encyclopedia). Not only does alcohol take a major toll on peoples’ health, but it is also a driving factor in many domestic abuse incidents as well as automotive accidents. Driving under the influence accounted for 30% of traffic related deaths in 2023. (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) Alcohol is also a driving factor in domestic assault. Drug or alcohol use is reported in 40-60% of intimate partner violence incidents. (“How Are Substance Abuse and Domestic Violence Related?”) These struggles consume the lives of many people everyday, and many times goes unnoticed because of the normalization of alcohol abuse in America.  

 

The effects of alcohol abuse are severely harming our society. The current bar culture encourages these types of behaviors and normalizes them. The bar gives people a place to escape and to feel less lonely. Drink after drink is poured and not a question is asked about it. It’s time we as a society start to question. Addiction will take over our country if action is not taken. Society and individuals are both affected greatly when someone suffers from alcohol abuse. The influence of modern-day bar culture affects the wellbeing of both young people as well as old. No matter the age, alcoholism is a real struggle for people every day. Alcoholism isn't casual or fun, it is a serious addiction that is taking over our country. It’s time we start to question things or there will never be change.