undoubtedly rub off on anyone unfortunate enough to live near them (Raistrick, 1985). Studies on aspects such as the individuals environment suggest a certain type of environment may play a major contributing factor in developing alcoholism. It has been illustrated that children of alcoholics are at great risk of being exposed to an unhealthy family system. The more time a person spends in such a negative environment, the more susceptible he/she becomes to trying alcohol and in the long run of becoming alcoholics, marrying an alcoholic or doing both and so continuing the vicious cycle (Bowden, 1985). Clearly, Alcoholism, as opposed to merely excessive or irresponsible drinking, has been variously thought of as a symptom of psychological or social stress or as a learned, maladaptive coping behaviour (Barrera et al., 1991). More recently, and probably more accurately however, it has come to be viewed that alcoholism is a complex disease entity in its own right. Alcoholism usually develops over a period of years. Early and subtle symptoms include placing excessive importance on the availability of alcohol. Ensuring this availability strongly influences the persons choice of associates or activities. Furthermore, alcohol comes to be used more as a mood-changing drug rather than as a beverage served as part of a social custom or religious ritual. Initially, the alcoholic may demonstrate a high tolerance to alcohol, consuming more and showing less adverse effects than others. Subsequently, however, the person begins to drink against his/her own will and best interests, as alcohol comes to assume more importance than personal relationships, work, reputation, and most importantly their physical health. The person commonly loses control over drinking and is increasingly unable to predict how much alcohol will be consumed on a give occasion or, if the person is currently obtaining, when the drinking will resume again. Physical addiction...
