Family members and friends may also deny the problem by looking the other way when destructive behavior is exhibited. This denial can lead to a worsening physical and mental condition. For indicators that might suggest a tendency toward alcoholism refer to the Michigan Alcoholism Screening Test below. Alcoholism is physically destructive, giving rise to many other forms of disease, for example, cancer of the liver, esophagus, colon, stomach, and breast. Chronic alcohol abuse can also lead to hypertension, stroke, heart attack, and brain damage.
Alcoholism can also trigger a host of personal problems.
Alcoholics may become less productive at work and may eventually lose their jobs. Marriages may not endure the strain, and children may suffer emotionally and sometimes physically from a parent who is an alcoholic. An alcohol abuser may feel a general sense of loss of control over his or her life. In recent years the stigma has greatly relaxed due in large part to the realization by many Americans that alcoholism is a disease like any other, afflicting millions of people of all ages and all walks of life. Today, many new and innovative treatment techniques are being used to counteract alcoholism.