Alcohol and Its Impact on Society:
There is a growing threat to the well-being of the society, which is slowly and steadily tightening its grip over every stratum of the society, threatening its very existence and fabric. This hazard is none other than the one posed by drug addiction and abuse, particularly alcohol.
What Does the Research Say About Alcohol Abuse?
Drug addiction is increasingly emerging as a menace in today's society. Among substances of abuse, alcohol is ranked second, next only to tobacco consumption. According to recent studies, the prevalence of alcohol users is about 21.4 %, with the age of initiation dropping to 17 years, which was previously around 28 years. There is also an increase in the quantity of total alcohol consumption. This trend leads to an increased incidence of physical and psychological illnesses. So, it is the need of the hour to create awareness regarding this social evil.
What Are the Ill Effects of Alcohol?
Alcohol, when consumed within limits (30 ml/day), leads to a sense of well-being and relaxation. But, when consumed in large amounts (more than 90 ml/day), it can slow reflexes, poor judgment ability, decreased control over motor movements and increased anger and violence, which can prove lethal.
Alcohol abuse can lead to many physical morbidities such as hypertension, diabetes, liver cirrhosis, cancer, neuropathy, cardiac illness, and kidney ailments. Physical diseases can also lead to mental or psychiatric conditions such as anxiety, insomnia, depression, and personality disorders. In many studies, it has been found that around 50 % of alcohol users suffer from one mental illness or the other.
What Is Alcoholism?
Alcoholism is not something to be ignored as it is a medical condition that affects brain function. Also called alcohol use disorder, alcoholism is a medical condition characterized by excessive and more persistent alcohol consumption in such a way that it cannot be stopped even after any psychological or physical distress. The degree of the condition can range from mild to severe.
How Is Alcoholism Staged?
The following are the sequence of stages seen in alcohol use disorder:
1. At-Risk Stage:
When people take up drinking for social reasons or as a means to get rid of their stress, they develop an alcohol tolerance, and this stage is called the at-risk stage.
2. Early Alcohol Use Disorder
It is the next progressive stage wherein the individual starts thinking more about alcohol consumption. They start keeping alcohol intake a secret and drink alone. Also, they begin to have their drinks even when they are not in social gatherings.
3. Mid-Stage Alcohol Use Disorder:
This stage occurs when alcohol consumption goes beyond the control of the individual. They start drinking alcohol in a manner that brings about rage to the family, work, and social life. There can be evident organ damage in the laboratory test reports taken.
End-Stage Alcohol Use Disorder:
At this stage, taking alcohol becomes the sole purpose and focus of the individual's life to the point that they avoid food, relationships, happiness, and health. As the name suggests, there is severe organ damage in this stage that can bring about fatality.
When Do Individuals Take Up Alcohol Addiction?
Although the exact cause behind alcohol addiction is not specific, the following have been attributed to be the cause:
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Those who start to take alcohol at an early stage.
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Individuals who consume alcohol very frequently, that too in large amounts.
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People with a family history of alcohol abuse.
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Those who underwent physical trauma.
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Those who have encountered sexual, physical, or mental abuse.
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Individuals who have undergone stomach bypass surgery for controlling weight gain.
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Those affected with psychological problems like depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and eating disorders.
How to Identify Addiction and Get Help?
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The person always craves alcohol.
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Once the person starts drinking, they cannot stop even if they want to.
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There has been a significant increase in the amount of consumption of alcohol over a short duration of time.
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There are complaints of anxiety, anger, irritability, persistent headache, tremors, decreased sleep, or episodes of seizures if the person stops alcohol consumption for some time.
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If a person starts ignoring his personal and professional responsibilities and spends most of the time procuring and consuming alcohol.
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If a person is suffering from an illness and is told that further use of alcohol can aggravate their disease, they still continue to drink alcohol.
If a person met any three of these six criteria at any given time in the past year, then they have developed an alcohol dependence and are in dire need of urgent psychiatric and medical treatment.
How Can Addiction Be Treated?
1. Pharmacological: In this method, medicines are used first to detoxify the patient, that is, get alcohol out of the system, and different medications are then given with which the person can abstain from the use of alcohol in the future and its craving.
a. According to the United States Food and Drug Administration, alcoholism can be treated by two drugs, namely,
i) Acamprosate.
ii) Naltrexone.
b. Vivitrol is an injection used in some patients to help them recover from alcohol use disorder. It is a version of Naltrexone.
c. In some patients, Gabapentin and Topiramate also help in reducing the craving for alcohol. In the earlier days, Disulfiram was used, which is not usually preferred. These medications help in reducing alcohol obsession.
2. Non-pharmacological: 'Where there is a will, there is a way.' If a person wants to quit alcohol, he must have the willpower to do so. This can be built by using motivation enhancement techniques, cognitive behavior therapy, brief intervention, family therapy, etc.
a. Behavior Therapy - A counseling session with a mental health professional has a more significant impact on the behavior. Of the many behavioral therapies available, cognitive behavioral therapy, motivation therapy, 12-step facilitation, and contingency are the most preferred techniques that provide optimum results.
b. Support Groups - Meeting other individuals with a similar goal can help overcome alcohol addiction. Several support groups are available. Alcohol Anonymous (AA), Rational Recovery, Celebrate! Recovery, Recovery Dharma, and nine other support groups have been approved in the United States. These groups not only help in stopping alcohol abuse but also prevent relapse.
Conclusion:
It can be concluded that the growing prevalence of alcohol abuse is a matter of concern, and urgent steps need to be taken to combat this social evil. When you have an alcohol addiction, see a physician and get rid of it with no further delay. There is always a treatment for your alcohol addiction, and reaching out to a healthcare provider can help identify the best possible treatment.
