Alcoholism refers to the abuse of alcohol by individuals who are unable to control their excessive alcohol consumption behavior for a prolonged period of time. Alcoholics are not simply people who consume alcohol; instead, their entire lives revolve around alcohol. While many people usually attribute the effects of heavy drinking to hangovers that last no more than a day, the effects of alcoholism are infinitely more long-lasting and devastating not only to alcoholics, but also to their families and friends . Excessive alcohol consumption can have a serious impact on the brain, both short and long term. The reason why alcoholics display aggressive behavior can be attributed to the effects of alcohol on various parts of the brain. First, alcohol can affect the gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA-A) receptor complex in the brain which inhibits aggressive behavior by creating anxiety about socially inappropriate behavior. Second, the effect of alcohol on the dopaminergic system that controls psychomotor stimulation can lead to an increase in the intensity and level of aggression. Low blood sugar in the brain may also contribute to increased levels of aggression (Graham, Wells, & West, 1997, p. 626). As a result, alcoholics tend to overreact to unpleasant situations using aggression. Furthermore, with excessive alcohol consumption, alcoholics lose the ability to exercise self-control over their emotions and feelings. Very often, alcohol consumption becomes a means for them to unleash repressed negative feelings. For other alcoholics, alcohol is a way to bury negative feelings of anger, guilt and depression. Therefore, their overall mood is moody and hostile, leading to increased chances of aggressive behavior at the slightest provocation (Graham, Wells, & West, 1997, p. 627). Alcohol also has debilitating effects on individuals' ability to function. effectively cognitively. Drunk alcoholics are unaware of subtle social cues. They may behave in socially inappropriate ways without even being aware of their actions. On the other hand, because they are only aware of obvious externalized social cues, they are likely to be ultrasensitive in their reactions to the situation. Deprived of the ability to think clearly and deeply, alcoholics, under the influence of alcohol, do not realize that they can behave in an alternative way. What is even more dangerous is that drunk people can develop a sense of grandiosity and believe they are more powerful than they actually are..