Identifies terms and concepts related to alcohol and its affects on humans and provides information about the treatment of alcoholism.

Examines history of alcoholism and provides detailed information about alcohol abuse and dependene. Discusses enevironmental and genetic factors that contribute to alcoholism. Appendixes include directories of national agencies and organizations. Topics include alcohol and the elderly, alcohol-related child neglect and abuse, psychiatric disorders, adolescents and drinking, and more.

Alcoholism afflicts individuals of all social groups and age levels, although young adults have the greatest risk for addiction to alcohol.

Identifies terms and concepts related to alcohol and its affects on humans and provides information about the treatment of alcoholism

Alcohol consumption goes to the very roots of nearly all human societies. Different countries and regions have become associated with different sorts of alcohol, for instance, the “beer culture” of Germany, the “wine culture” of France, Japan and saki, Russia and vodka, the Caribbean and rum, or the “moonshine culture” of Appalachia. Wine is used in religious rituals, and toasts are used to seal business deals or to celebrate marriages and state dinners. However, our relation with alcohol is one of love/hate. We also regulate it and tax it, we pass laws about when and where it’s appropriate, we crack down severely on drunk driving, and the United States and other countries tried the failed “Noble Experiment” of Prohibition. While there are many encyclopedias on alcohol, nearly all approach it as a substance of abuse, taking a clinical, medical perspective (alcohol, alcoholism, and treatment). The SAGE Encyclopedia of Alcohol examines the history of alcohol worldwide and goes beyond the historical lens to examine alcohol as a cultural and social phenomenon, as well—both for good and for ill—from the earliest days of humankind.

More than fifteen hundred entries cover everything from absenteeism, absinthe, and heroin to the World Health Organization

Examines alcohol abuse and alcoholism, a disease many feel cannot be cured, only arrested.