ALCOHOLISM:CAUSES,EFFECTS,FACTS AND WHEN SHOULD YOU SEEK HELP

ALCOHOLISM

It’s a disease characterized by a pattern of drinking alcohol that results in negative work ,medical,social and economical effects.The abuser tends to keep using it despite the consequences

EFFECTS

-On families-increased domestic violence,the children of lcoholics tend to experience stress and withdrawal symptoms.

-Psychologically-causes depression and anti social behavior.

-It’s the third most cause of mental illnesses especially in the United States and also causes early death.

Most people who develop dependence on alcohol do so between 18 and 25 years of age

SYMPTOMS OF ALCOHOL DEPENDANCE/ALCOHOL INTOXICATION

-Using more alcohol than planned or using it for longer periods and having trouble reducing its consumption.

-Spending a large amount of time using or recovering from the use of alcohol or continuous use of alcohol despite awareness of the detrimental effects its having on one’s life .

-Smell of alcohol on breath and skin ,blood shot eyes ,passive behaviour and deteroriation in hygiene and appearance.

-Its involved in most violent deaths in many countries.

FACTS ABOUT ALCOHOLISM

Almost 2000 people under the age of 21 die each year in car crashes in which alcohol is involved .

Risk factors for developing a drinking problem include low self esteem,depression,anxiety or other mood problem as well as having parents who are alcoholics

Alcohol dependence has no single cause and is not directly passed from one generation to another.

EFFECTS OF ALCOHOLISM

-Alcoholic women are at a higher risk of developing liver cirrhosis .

-Heavy alcohol intake can cause learning and memory problems.

-Teenagers who consume alcohol are at a higher risk of having abnormal organ development especially in the reproductive system

-The earlier you begin drinking,the earlier you develop an alcoholism problem.

TREATMENT OF ALCOHOLISM

-Cognitive-therapy techniques-helping the individual identify what tends to make them abuse alcohol and find it hard to stop consuming it .

-Some other treatment involves drug and alcohol testin

-Seek professional help for example counseling and education on the risks and effects of alcohol.

-For teens ,group therapy can be offered even though there is a risk of engaging in the same behavior.