Alcoholism is perhaps the most common form of drug abuse in America today. In 1995, in the United States 67% of all the population over the age of 12 reported drinking alcohol with in the previous year. Even more astounding, is the fact that nearly 50% reported drinking some type of alcoholic beverage with in the past month. Scientist report that the reason alcohol is so popular to drinkers is because it is pleasant, relaxing, and is considered a "social beverage." But what the drinkers often do not take in to consideration are the facts that alcohol dulls the brain and confuses physical reactions. Which leads to numerous injuries, accidents, and death. Roughly 1.3 million people are arrested for driving drunk each year. As a result of the drunk drivers, 25,000 deaths occur each year. More 16 to 24 year olds are killed as a result of drunk driving or are involved in accidents where someone is driving drunk than any other age group in the nation. Alcohol affects every part of an alcoholic's life: their body, their mind and their family life. The body has a natural chemical that gives a feeling of a "natural high". It happens in the presence of a life-endangering situation. This chemical is adrenaline, which is meant to prepare the body for defense in the case of an emergency. Alcohol tricks the body into giving off the chemical and in turn, get the "natural high" feeling. The problem alcohol has though is that when it goes to the brain, it blocks the synapses in the brain, that portion of the brain cannot perform its usual tasks; such as speaking, walking, seeing, etc. After the body has consumed a certain amount of alcohol, it can't rely on the logical (upper brain) to operate itself. Instead it depends on the lower brain, due to this the person will not know what they are doing or saying. Since the body is in the "high" state for so long, instead of just for a few minutes, it becomes addicted and depends on the alcohol for normal function. Alcohol has a tremendous affect on the body. In small doses, alcohol has a tendency to provide warmth, confront and relaxation. But when the drinker is unable to control the amount he or she has, they become more outgoing, self confident, and uninhibited. Alcohol mostly affects the liver. Normally, the liver processes fat and converts them into calories, but it also can process alcohol. Upon exiting the liver, the alcohol is distributed through out other organs including the lungs, brain and kidneys. After alcohol reaches the brain, it numbs the frontal lobe which has direct control over judgement, visual perception and decision making skills. Scientist believe this is what makes alcoholics believe they can conquer anything task put before them. After drinking a good number of drinks everyday over a long period of time, many things can happen. Cirrhosis of the liver can occur, which means the liver tissues become hardened. Scientist also report that irreversible brain damage can before cirrhosis of the liver is even detected. Also, cancer of the liver, mouth, esophagus, and lungs as well as intestinal and pancreatic cancer often occur as a result of alcoholism. Alcohol also has an affect on the mind as well as the body. Alcoholics often report that they feel inferior to people and believe they can do anything

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