Alcoholism and the Nature vs. Nurture Argument

Does the environment that one grows up in contribute to alcoholism or is alcoholism determined by genetics? It wasn’t until 1991 that alcoholism was considered both a medical and psychiatric disease by the American Medical Association. Alcoholism is defined in the dictionary as a chronic disorder characterized by dependence on alcohol, repeated excessive use of alcoholic beverages, the development of withdrawal symptoms on reducing or ceasing intake, morbidity that may include cirrhosis of the liver, and decreased ability to function socially and vocationally. (dictionary.com). It is also defined as an addiction to the consumption of alcoholic liquor or the mental illness
(Alaska Town Plagued by Alcohol Crime) Another geological factor that can lead to an increased number of alcoholics is the cultural tolerance towards alcohol in the country they reside. Russia has an extremely high tolerance towards alcohol and for many Russians drinking alcohol is part of their daily routine. If drinking alcohol frequently is culturally accepted more people are likely to drink and become alcoholics.

Advertising & the Media The average American is exposed to 3,000 advertisements a day. On prime time television there is one alcohol advertisement every four hours. (Advertising Sin and Sickness) However, during sporting events the number of alcohol ads increases to 2.4 every hour. (Advertising Sin and Sickness). Imagine being a recovering alcoholic trying to relax watching Monday Night Football and every time there is a time out or long stoppage in play you are forced to sit through an alcohol ad. Alcohol advertising contains many subliminal messages. The alcohol industry wants to make you feel boring or less manly if you aren’t drinking their product. Through the media the alcohol industry tries to tie together alcohol with feelings of success, attraction to the opposite sex and popularity. In order to understand more about alcohol advertising we have to take a look at alcohol in American history, dating back to the