Throughout history, alcohol has been a common drink in social and celebratory settings. However in today's society it is easily accessible, very cheap and advertised on every available channel. Alcohol has taken over our society, from teenagers to the elderly, everyone is exposed to the drinking culture. But this is not the problem, the problem is that in today's society gluttony is a common virtue and many people take drinking outside of social and celebratory environments. Many Americans suffer from a disease known as alcoholism, which is not just addiction, but the inability to function without alcohol. Just like many other substances, excess alcohol can create many problems within the body both mentally and physically, this is the problem behind alcoholism. Alcoholism, causes and effects Alcohol has existed since ancient times, the original purpose was to treat water from bacteria. However, as time went on, people began to discover other uses and side effects of alcohol. Human nature, of course, is to make money or enjoy one's own pleasure and available substance. Today's culture of social media, celebrity heroes and the pressure to fit in has driven many people, young and old, to drink. The effects of alcohol are what drives many people to drink. Exhilaration, forgetfulness, playfulness, social confidence and courage are all some of the feelings many derive from consumption. Many people, especially new drinkers or teenagers, do not understand the danger and negative effects that alcohol has not only from long-term but also short-term consumption. Today's drinkers are highly ignorant and do not understand key issues surrounding alcohol such as:1. What are the causes of alcoholism?2. Who is most susceptible to...... middle of paper ......as well as opinions about it. Like many other diseases, the first key to change is education. Public education about alcoholism is the necessary first step in helping those directly affected by it. The second important step is to change the media focus on alcohol from a fantastical, fun substance to a serious substance that should not be abused. The final and most important step in helping people suffering from alcoholism is to support them in their efforts to change or be there for them when they need you. The best way to help an alcoholic is to push and support them to change. Alcoholism is a dangerous disease that is not caused by any single variable. The danger behind alcoholism comes from health and mental problems. Society is currently a major factor in what has caused the amount of alcohol in our nation and now it must change, to help those affected by this horrible disease.