Was Mark Twain An Alcoholic

<h2>Mark Twain’s Life</h2>
<p>Mark Twain was born under the name of Samuel Clemens in 1835. There is no definitive proof that Twain was an alcoholic during his lifetime. However, his writings and behavior indicate that he had an affection for alcohol. He was well known for his wit, humor and insights into American life, particularly in the nineteenth century. He was also well-known for his generous attitude towards alcohol. Throughout his career, he had many famous and well respected figures endorse his drinking habits. Although he was known to indulge in alcohol, there is no definitive proof that he was actually an alcoholic.</p>
<p>Twain’s writing and behavior are often seen as examples of his love for alcohol. His writing was full of wit and humor which was often derived from his own personal experiences. For instance, in Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, the character Tom Sawyer is portrayed as a “rum-soak”. Twain also wrote about the joys of drinking in some of his other works. In The Celebrated Jumping Frog of Calaveras County, he wrote “it was mighty pleasant to hear that boozy old frog singing away at his own fashion.” Here Twain’s humor is derived from his own experience as an alcoholic.</p>
<h2>Mark Twain’s Drinking Habits</h2>
<p>With Twain’s over-consumption of alcohol, one could imagine the issue would have caused negative effects on his life, and it did. Many of his colleagues and friends stated that his drinking held him back from his profession. When asked about his drinking habits, Twain would deny ever having a drinking problem, however his mannerisms and words would contradict such an argument. One fellow author claimed that Twain could turn rebellious and agitated when deprived of his alcohol.</p>
<p>Twain was known to indulge in alcoholic beverages throughout the day. It was not unusual for him to take a drink at breakfast, lunch and dinner. On occasions, he would take a drink in between meals. At the same time, he was said to keep drinking to a minimum and never let it interfere with his work. His level of indulgence could be attributed to his hard work attitude, but it nonetheless caused him to build up a strong tolerance for alcohol.</p>
<h2>Attitude Towards Prohibition</h2>
<p>Twain’s stance on alcohol was very much in line with the prevalent attitude at that time. He was a strong advocate for the “recreational use” of alcohol, even during Prohibition. Despite his love for alcohol, he believed that it needed to be regulated and used in moderation. His approach was often laid down in the form of witty parables and stories, making it easier for people to understand. In a newspaper article Twain wrote “Prohibit? I should say not! They had better prohibit successively fresh air and water.” Here he made a clear stance on the issue of Prohibition.</p>
<p>Twain’s desire to regulate the use of alcohol was further highlighted by some of his own experiences with prohibition. He was once arrested for having alcohol at a Prohibition party, which led to a court case that was widely covered in the press. His court appearance brought attention to his stance on the issue and showed his passion for the legalization of alcohol.</p>
<h2>Alcoholism in Modern America</h2>
<p>Today, alcoholism is still a major issue in America. Despite the legalisation of alcohol, individuals are still struggling to control their own alcohol consumption. The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism estimates that there are more than 15 million individuals currently struggling with alcoholism in the United States. Statistics show that men are still more prone to alcohol abuse than women.</p>
<p>Treatment for alcoholism is available for those who need it, however many individuals feel that fighting this problem on their own is more manageable. There are many possible causes of alcoholism, and it is important to understand that alcoholism is a serious medical condition that should not be taken lightly. Expert help should be sought by those experiencing alcohol-related issues.</p>
<h2>Mark Twain’s Medical Condition</h2>
<p>Mark Twain’s medical records also show that he had stomach problems and bad eyesight. These have all been attributed to his over-consumption of alcohol. Some experts suggest that the alcohol had caused him to become an alcoholic. Although it cannot be proven, it is possible that the alcohol had altered his physical and mental state, making him an alcoholic in the long run.</p>
<p>Twain also suffered from depression and anxiety. Some experts suggest that these were caused by his alcohol abuse as well. It is possible that his mental state had deteriorated due to his excessive drinking. His writer’s block is also a sign of his deteriorating mental state, as alcohol can cause a person to become paranoid and delusional. It is possible that his over-consumption of alcohol had caused him to suffer from depression and anxiety.</p>
<h2>Conclusion</h2>
<p>It is impossible to say whether Mark Twain was an alcoholic. His writings and behavior are often seen as examples of his fondness for alcohol. There is also some evidence that Twain had a physical and mental break down due to alcohol abuse. Although there is no definitive proof that Twain was an alcoholic, it is clear that alcohol had an effect on his life.</p>

Dannah Hannah is an established poet and author who loves to write about the beauty and power of poetry. She has published several collections of her own works, as well as articles and reviews on poets she admires. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in English, with a specialization in poetics, from the University of Toronto. Hannah was also a panelist for the 2017 Futurepoem book Poetry + Social Justice, which aimed to bring attention to activism through poetry. She lives in Toronto, Canada, where she continues to write and explore the depths of poetry and its influence on our lives.

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