Brain activity has slowed so much that breathing may become ineffective. About alcoholism Alcoholism was first recognized as a disease in the 1930s by Alcoholics Anonymous. Since then, the American Medical Association has recognized alcoholism as a serious, chronic disease. There is no cure for alcoholism, but it is treatable. With proper treatment, an alcoholic is able to return to a normal, satisfying life.
Alcohol is still the number one drug problem in America.
There are approximately 18 million alcoholics in this country. Mouth, esophagus and stomach cancer occur frequently in alcoholics, due to the irritating effects of alcohol. Women who drink alcohol during pregnancy can cause their unborn child to suffer birth defects. Severe depression typically accompanies alcoholism. A very high number of suicides are related to drug and alcohol use.