An anti-social problem

Abstract

I have decided to write my long assignment on drunkenness mainly from the sociological point of view and thus illuminate a problem which has been sadly neglected. In Malta we have much to learn as regards this subject and we can benefit greatly from the experience of other nations. It is only recently that some doctors have come to realize that alcohol is a powerful mind drug. Historically the drinking of the drug alcohol goes back to the earliest days of recorded history. Throughout the course of time, alcohol lost its identity as a drug mainly because of its extensive use symbolically. In society it was always used as a symbol of friendship and brotherhood and the fact that it is a frug was easily forgotten by the majority. It is true that many people drink only for what alcohol symbolizes and they do so very moderately to enhance the enjoyment of a pleasurable situation such as a wedding feast or an anniversary. However, a good number of people both males and females, drink for the utilitarian or drug effect of alcohol and they do so to the point of "getting high" or intoxicated. This abuse of alcohol is essentially unhealthy both from the physical and social points of view. Heavy drinkers or alcoholics are dependent on alcohol and it is vvery difficult for them to stop drinking once they have turned from sociaal drinkers to heavy alcoholic consumers. Very few people can understand the complex situation in which the alcoholic finds himself.