Alcoholism in Three Distinct Societies This paper will explore the social problem of Alcoholism in three different societies around the world. Alcoholism is perhaps the most common form of drug abuse in North America today. Poet Ogden Nash was quoted as saying "Candy is dandy, but liquor is quicker." We will first look at Alcoholism in American society today, and also at a sub-culture within the United States, the Amish. This is a culture of people located in North America, primarily the Northeastern region of the United States. The last culture, that of Russia, which stretches from the Baltic and Black seas to the Pacific Ocean and takes up almost half of the worlds time zones. These three cultures differ not only in what types of liquor they predominantly drink, but in how (if) they receive treatment for their problem, and if they even recognize Alcoholism as being a problem. In 1995, in the United States 67% of all the population over the age of 12 reported drinking alcohol with in the previous year. Even more astounding, is the fact that nearly 50% reported drinking some type of alcoholic beverage with in the past month. Scientists report that the reason alcohol is so popular to drinkers is because it is pleasant, relaxing, and is considered a "social beverage." But what the drinkers often do not take in to consideration are the facts that alcohol dulls the brain and confuses physical reactions. This leads to numerous injuries, accidents, and death. Roughly 1.3 million people are arrested for driving drunk each year. As a result of the drunk drivers, 25,000 deaths occur each year in America. More 16 to 24 year olds are killed as a result of drunk driving or are involved in accidents where someone is driving drunk than any other age group in the nation. Especially on college campuses, Alcoholism is increasing rapidly among teenagers and young adults. Many Americans believe that alcohol acts as a "social lubricant." Many...
