Write a 6 pages paper on alcoholism as a universal affliction. Alcoholism is a chronic disease that is also known as Alcohol Dependence. The main symptoms are craving for alcohol. Such individuals can

Write a 6 pages paper on alcoholism as a universal affliction. Alcoholism is a chronic disease that is also known as Alcohol Dependence. The main symptoms are craving for alcohol. Such individuals cannot control their drinking, even though it proves disastrous to their health, causes frustration and depression and makes them prone to automobile accidents. The major causes of alcoholism have been attributed to genetics, psychological conditions, and social factors (Alcoholism).

According to the NIAAA, alcoholism results in a craving for alcohol that deteriorates into physical dependence. Any attempt to stop the consumption of alcohol, in such individuals, results in the development of certain unpleasant physical conditions. The WHO states that most alcoholics find it difficult to withstand these symptoms, and resume drinking, in order to obtain relief from these unbearable physical conditions (Alcoholism).

According to researchers of the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), alcoholism is a genetic disorder. A number of genes interact in a complex manner, and render individuals addicts to alcohol. As such, alcoholism has a genetic basis. Individuals develop alcoholism under the influence of several genes acting in concert. Therefore, preventive measures in reducing alcoholism have to be based on genetic studies. The NIAAA conducted several studies in this area, so as to discover better treatment and prevent alcoholism. Moreover, individuals from different families become alcoholics, on account of predisposing genes (National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, 2004 ).

The Baldwin Research Institute conducted a number of research studies in the area of alcoholism. These studies had contended that alcoholism was a choice and not a disease.