Angelas Ashes Alcoholism

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Impulsiveness, manipulative, liar, neglectful, narcissistic; these are all words commonly used to describe the traits and actions of alcoholics. These same words may also come to mind when reading about Frankie’s father Malachy in the novel Angela’s Ashes, written by Frank McCourt. The troubles Frankie went through as a child will be expressed in this essay as it relates to his father’s alcoholism. A person who has a drinking problem, meaning they indulge in drinking too often or are addicted, are defined as alcoholics. Some common characteristics of an alcoholic may include: their drinking interferes with their family; their interpersonal relationships, the family’s well being. They exhibit poor responsible behavior they crave drinking because of a psychological and or physiological addiction, they show a loss of control pertaining to drinking. [1] Alcoholism is one of the most common disorders in the world today, and has been for some time. The effects of alcohol to the brain are mind altering. In Maria Gifford’s book titled, Alcoholism, she states quite simply why people drink despite all the dangers, “Drinking makes many people feel good”(Gifford, 14). Then gives an explanation, “Alcohol consumption affects the mechanism of certain brain chemicals called neurotransmitters”(Gifford, 14). When alcohol is consumed it changes the level of chemicals in the brain, this causes an imbalance, which easily can change the way people think and feel about things. Serotonin is one of the major neurotransmitters affected, an imbalance of serotonin can have serious spin-off on the drinkers mood. Depending on the drinker, anxiety and depression can be elevated or become less intense. Throughout the book it is evident Frankie’s father is addicted to alcohol and hated due to his neglect of his family. Though he most obviously loves them, he is unable to put food on

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