The habit of consuming alcoholic beverages is common in the society. Currently, one out of six people have a drinking problem (U.S Dept., 2014).Sadly, the habitual use of alcoholic beverages results in physical dependency on this drug. The term alcoholism refers to continual use of alcoholic drinks that results in being preoccupied with alcohol and may lead to lack of control. The physical dependency could become chronic resulting in health problems, for example, liver cirrhosis. Also, it may lead to family issues, interferes with work or other societal problems. Alcohol is a depressant that affects the central nervous system. Moderate intake of alcohol leads to poor judgment, poor coordination and loss of balance. High concentrations of alcohol results in long-term health complications People indulge in alcohol intake for various reasons, for example, to socialize with friends, to relax or to forget about certain unpleasant issues. A drinker tends to feel relaxed, more confident and even talkative after consuming some amounts of alcohol and a continual intake of the same amount may not have the same effects on the person thus encouraging increased intake. In DSM-IV, alcohol abuse refers to a psychiatric diagnosis where a person consumes alcohol despite the consequences accrued to this consumption. In alcohol abuse, the individual is already facing the consequences of their actions and is dependent on alcohol.
The causes of alcoholism are quite unclear. Current research states that genetic, social, environmental and psychological factors influence alcoholism. The symptoms identified are such, as when person drinks more than planned, has tried to reduce or stop drinking and failed.Also,where a person has cravings for alcoholic beverages, develops withdrawal symptoms, for example, nausea or continues to drink even when this habit has a negative impact on their relationships with friends, family or workmates(NIAA,2010).In an environment where alcohol is socially acceptable, is available and marketed both nationally and locally or the public policies promote alcohol consumption, issues such as alcoholism and alcohol abuse are likely to occur. Psychological factors such as issues relating to personality traits learned cognitions and behaviors amongst others, for example, anti-social behaviors. Research shows that there are certain genetic components that influence alcoholism (NIAA, 2010).
Consequences attributed to alcoholism can be short term or long term. Short term symptoms include hangovers, blackouts or memory loss. Long term consequences are cancer, stomach problems, memory loss, liver cirrhosis or brain damage (NIAA, 2010).Alcohol poisoning occurs when there is excessive intake of alcohol in a short period and it may lead to loss of balance, because of the effects of the drink on brain functions, stomach irritations that result in vomiting, affects the nerves, dehydration or lowering of blood sugar levels (NIAA, 2010).Alcohol intake can also cause cancer, for example, liver cancer, mouth cancer, breast cancer or bowel cancer. In 2010, there were 3789 deaths as a result of liver cancer in the UK. Liver cirrhosis is the scarring of the liver that leads to poor functioning of this part of the body. Infectious diseases can also result from the intake of alcohol, for example, HIV due to the impact of alcohol on the brain that leads to loss of control (U.S.Dept, 2014).In women, the effects are worse, even when they drink similar amounts as men, this is because women’s bodies process alcohol at a slower rate than men. Recently, the alcohol consumption gap between men and women has decreased (), resulting in women consuming larger amounts of alcoholic drinks than they used to traditionally. Alcohol consumption increases the risk of breast cancer, affects fertility and increases the negative effects of menopause(Drinkware,2014).The physiological differences between men and women make women more vulnerable to the effects of alcohol, for instance, women’s bodies have more fat to water ratio than men making them less able to dilute alcohol in their bodies. Also, they have lower levels of Alcohol dehydrogenase, and as a result, alcohol takes longer to metabolize than in men. Lastly, women have less tissue to absorb the consumed alcohol. Pregnant women should not drink because alcohol consumption may lead to fetal alcohol syndrome, low birth weight and also, it increases the risk for premature labor (NIAA, 2010).
Adult men and women are not the only victims to alcoholism and alcohol abuse.In the U.S.Studies have shown that out of the 14 million people in the States, who are independent on alcohol, are between the ages of 18-29, and persons above 69 years make up the group of least alcohol users. The effects of alcohol vary with ages. In teenagers, misuse of alcohol can lead to binge drinking, unsafe sex, impaired brain development or death, particularly when teenagers drink and drive. Binge drinking refers to consuming large amounts of alcohol over a short period so that you get intoxicated(Rockville,2007).Elderly people, or rather people above the age of 69, are more sensitive to the effects of alcohol, because their elderly bodies metabolize alcohol more slowly than in younger people. An older person can develop problems with alcohol even if they do not have a drinking problem or they have not changed their drinking habits.Excessive alcohol consumption worsens some health conditions such as high blood pressure or diabetes. In addition to this, alcohol intake reacts harmfully with a variety of medications, for example, arthritis medications and alcohol intake can increase stomach complications(U.S.Dept,2014).Withdrawal symptoms occur in people who have been drinking for a significantly long period and suddenly stop or significantly reduce their intake. These symptoms can occur within two hours after stopping or persist for weeks. They range from mild anxieties to severe complications such as delirium. Alcohol withdrawal symptoms can be severe and lead to health conditions such as heart disease, seizures or lung disease (NIAA, 2010).
The government has set up guidelines in an attempt to regulate alcohol intake and thus mitigate its impacts. In U.S., for example, Women are advice not to drink more than two or three units a day, that is abouta175 ml standard glass of wine, whereas, men are advised not to drink more than 3-4 units a day, regularly. ABV found on alcoholic beverages, refers to the average beverage intake that a person is supposed to take, and it varies differently on different alcoholic beverages.The guidelines based on scientific research and evidence is so as to promote safe drinking in the country (NIAA, 2010).
Alcohol abuse causes a lot of social problems. It can lead to family issues and may result in divorce, and may negatively affect children. Other personal relationships are also affected, and this may lead to disagreements and frustrations between the abuser and other people in the society. Dependency on alcohol leads to changes in personality behavior and thus strains the relationship between an alcoholic and their personal, financial and workplace relationships (WHO, 2009).
In conclusion, it is important for each person to take individual responsibility regarding alcohol consumption. The intake of alcoholic beverages is a choice and, therefore, responsible drinking is a decision only made by the individual. In cases, where one suffers from any of the symptoms, then they should seek medical attention, guidance or counseling on the issue. However, Prevention is surely better than cure and, therefore, it is of paramount importance that parents set good examples on their children regarding alcohol use. It is important to note that alcohol is a great contributor to diseases globally, and it contributes to other societal harms to the drinker and to others. Research has shown that alcohol can also influence suicide, cases of homicide and may result to death.
