An Overview of Alcohol Use Abuse, and Alcoholism

Alcohol is a drug with potentially devastating effects on the human body. While no less dangerous than many illegal drugs, society has accepted alcohols negative consequences. Growing evidence, however, indicates that alcohol abuse and alcoholism jeopardize our economic base through a loss of human resources with a potentially negative long term impact on our nations security. Increased corporate and governmental focus on prevention and rehabilitation has resulted. This paper provides a history of alcohol use and abuse, discusses the characteristics of alcohol, and examines the economic costs to American society. The process of abuser identification and treatment programs available in the military and civilian workforce are reviewed. Observations and recommendations are provided.