Alcohol: a Growing Problem in the World?

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Alcoholism, as defined by the Random House Dictionary of the English Language, is "a chronic disorder characterized by dependence on alcohol, repeated excessive use of alcoholic beverages. The development of withdrawal symptoms on reducing or ceasing intake, morbidity that may include cirrhosis of the liver, and decreased ability to function socially and vocationally." As you can see my report is on alcohol and alcoholism. The report will show statistics, the different types of alcohol and alcoholics, both the positive and negative health consequences and effects of alcohol, and other interesting facts and details. Here are some questions to ask yourself before you begin to read the rest of my term paper; " Am I an alcoholic?" "Do I know an alcoholic?" "Does my family of a history of alcohol problems?" If you answered yes to any of these you definitely may want to read this research paper. Alcohol dates as far back as the early Stone Age. Alcoholic beverages were first fermented in the year 4200 BC. In 1640 the first distillery in the United States was established in what is now known as New York City. In 1769 the first Canadian distillery was established for the production of rum. In the early 1800's Rum became the most popular alcoholic beverage. In 1789 the first bourbon was produced in Georgetown, Kentucky. During the mid 1800's a movement of prohibition began. The prohibition went into a Constitutional Amendment in 1920, but by 1933 repealed it. Today the most popular spirit is whiskey. It has accounted for 38 percent of all spirits consumed. Even so, the sales of beer and wine have greatly increased since the late 1940's.

The drinking habits of the European differ from the drinking habits of Americans. Since Europe has many different climates and geographical features it is ideally suited for the wide variety in the production and drinking of alcohol. In Southern Europe the people mainly drink wine. Such countries are Spain, France, Italy, Switzerland, and Greece. The people of Ireland, England, Denmark, Germany, Belgium, Austria, and Czechoslovakia are known as beer

drinkers. The Northern countries, Norway, Sweden, Finland, Russia, and Poland are basically spirit drinkers.
There are many different types of alcoholic beverages. Beer, a fermented beverage, is chiefly made from barley malt. The malt is grounded and mixed with water then heated and crushed. The beer is aged for several weeks to develop taste. Most beer contains two to six percent alcohol. Lager beer, the most popular in the United States has a golden color but can be dark brown. It is usually served chilled. Another fermented beverage is wine. Most wine is made from grapes and contains a lot of sugar. It may also be made from other fruits such as apples or cherries. The fruits are usually crushed and then their juice is fermented. Wine is usually aged for about four

years. Most wines contain eight to twenty percent of alcohol. The color of wine varies from red, to pink, to white. The taste may be either sweet or unsweet. It can be served chilled or at room temperature. Whiskey is another fermented beverage that is made mostly of barley, corn, or rye. Most whiskey is a blend of different kinds of whiskey. It is aged for six or more years. Aging will help develop the flavor. Scotch whisky has a smoky flavor and is made of barley. A bourbon whiskey is made with corn. Blended whiskey is a combination of many different types of whiskeys. Whisky can be served straight (unchilled) or "on the rocks" (on ice). Vodka is made of barley, corn, rye, or potato. It isn't aged nor has any color. Neither does it have taste or odor. It is almost always mixed with other beverages including orange

juice, tomato juice, and tonic water. Another type of alcoholic beverage is a liqueur. They are made of flavored with gin or brandy. They contain 2.5 percent sugar. The most popular flavors are apricot, cherry, blackberry, chocolate, peach, and...
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