hool, and peer settings of children as they grow up. However, the consistent finding of higher levels of physical and sexual abuse among alcohol abusers should warrant further research.PHYSIOLOGICAL: Underlying all alcohol abuse and addiction are the actions that alcohol abuse exerts. A question that is important in understanding alcohol abuse is how alcohol affects the brain, and why alcohol has a potential for being abused. The two biological factors that contribute to alcohol abuse are the effects that alcohol abuse has on a person and the biological status of the individual using alcohol. The first relates to the action of alcohol has on the brain and the latter relates to the inherited characteristics that affect a person's response to alcohol. In order for alcohol to affect a person it first must reach the brain. This is accomplished by alcohol entering the circulatory system, then on to the brain. The amount of alcohol that enters the bloodstream affects how quickly the alcohol will penetrate to the brain. Alcohol is taken in orally; therefore the stomach, which results in a delay before the affects become apparent, absorbs it. This is exhibited if you have ever seen someone ingest alcohol while sitting down he or she seems to be okay. Yet when they stand up, they all of a sudden become dizzy and experience high levels of intoxication. Alcohol produces feelings of pleasure to the brain. There is increasing evidence that the 'pleasure feelings' are linked to the brain's reward system. In the absence of any goal-seeking behavior, stimulation to the brain's reward system produces extreme pleasure, which is reinforced more as alcohol consumption increases. Such strong reinforcement may explain why people will forego food, instead of alcoholic drinks if presented the choice. Increasing activity in the brain reward system is related to increased reinforcement, which supports the continued use and abuse of alcohol. Tole...
