The Many Facets of Alcoholism

Alcoholism has many faces and "It would seem that if alcohol is a vice, then virtue is unattractive, and if drinking is a malady, then good health alone is not enough to satisfy man" (qtd. in Stratton par. 1). These words imply that alcohol has always been man's companion as the history of alcohol dates back thousands of years ago. Moreover, people around the world drink alcoholic beverages even if a lot claimed of its harmful effects. As to many, the satisfaction given by a glass of beer or a shot of whiskey is something overwhelming and relieving- whatever the reason is, alcohol seemed a solution for everything.

Occasional drinking of alcoholic beverages is an accepted behavior while chronic drinking or alcoholism has caused public concern as the nature of its effects is causing many to suffer and lose tremendous amounts of money for treatments. In fact, alcohol abuse and dependence have been identified by the DSM- IV (APA 108-112). Alcohol dependence is manifested by tolerance, withdrawal, large amount of ingestion, inability to control the urge, and psychosocial malfunctions (APA 108- 109) while substance abuse is associated with failure to fulfill functions, recurrent use of substance even in harmful situations, legal problems related to alcohol use, and continued ingestion even when faced with social and interpersonal problems (APA 112).

On the other hand, many believed that alcohol will make one forget problems, overcome shyness in social situations, foster courage in stressful scenarios, and surpass insecurities, and even gain power through alcohol. In fact, advertisements portray these effects of alcohol and it seemed helpful. Nevertheless, the over all effects are forgotten as people continue to patronize companies that produce this magical drinks thus alcoholism persisted. Alcoholism has many faces and the social, psychological, and physical aspects associated with it though viewed differently; as well as the treatments to combat it must be instituted.

Alcoholism and Society

Society has the ability to dictate the behaviors of individuals and such is the case of alcoholism. According to Stocker that the environment plays a major role in the development of alcoholism, the same way that heredity does (42+). Many are tempted to try alcohol since a lot are actually drinking it claiming of its good effects and to some, alcoholism has started as a get- together ritual for group meetings and in the long run alcohol abuse and dependence actually became constant companions. Meanwhile, the fact that alcoholic beverages are advertised widely and legalized, its consumption has never been a problem. In fact, one can readily buy a bottle of beer, whiskey, or a rhum and variety of brands and products are displayed at one's preference. However, the loss of inhibition brought about by alcohol intoxication has taken its toll. Many homes are broken and relationships stained because of alcohol abuse. Furthermore, alcohol abuse and dependence and the problems predisposed by alcohol have posed tremendous social costs (Bray and Zarkin 27+). For one, the medical costs and counseling fees for the treatment of alcoholism are expensive aside from the fact that these treatments are undertaken for a long time to ensure effectiveness. Unfortunately, not everyone can afford these thus the societal impact of alcoholism posits greater challenge for the Government as well as other concerned agencies. With this, a number of organizations as well as groups are formed to address the problems of alcoholism. In addition, a lot of self help books are sold in the market to help individuals fight abuse and dependence.

Psychological Aspects of Alcoholism

Some people use and abuse alcohol as a temporary escape from reality. According to some, alcohol relieves anxiety and depression and boosts self- esteem and confidence. Moreover, one preliminary study revealed that alcohol alleviated symptoms of anxiety and depression in women due to the arousal and neurophysiologic effects stimulated by alcohol (Bauer, Costa, Hesselbrock 57+). Aside from these, those who have problems with relationships especially at home, intoxicate themselves with alcohol to avoid confrontations or simply distract themselves from real issues. All of these however are on one side of the coin only. The other side, on the other hand tells of the ill effects of alcohol. Chronic drinking leads to abuse and dependence and these by far fosters tremendous problems. The psychological dependence caused by alcohol is one of the hardest aspects to cure since it is rooted deep within while abuse caused accidents and even death due to recklessness. Nevertheless, the problem lies on the fact that knowing all the negative aspects of alcoholism, psychologically dependent individuals to alcohol would still ingest alcoholic beverages. Moreover, there are also some who develop dependence since they have someone in association that drinks (but not necessarily dependent) and these people became dependent to alcohol and tend to adapt the act psychologically.

Physical Aspects of Alcoholism

Advertisements on alcoholic drinks showcase individuals especially celebrities with strong physical sense. Thus many believe that this picture of the physical effects of alcohol will make one physically superior. Furthermore, people who are already intoxicated with alcohol believe that they are brave, strong, and indispensable. They further insist that physical agility and the hard image are effects of alcohol thus some who are physically insecure find comfort in alcohol.
Unfortunately, these are all under the façade of alcohol. Physically, chronic alcoholism causes hand tremors, discoloration of the skin (jaundice), liver problems, respiratory complications, gastrointestinal diseases, as well as nervous and musculoskeletal problems among others. Aside from this, ingestion of alcohol will trigger some medical conditions to worsen such as kidney and heart problems. Moreover, a study on the quality of life conducted by Donovan et. al. showed that those who drink alcohol heavily are more physically unhealthy compared to those who drink on occasional basis (119+). An important point is that alcoholism has serious effects and most of these associated conditions are irreversible.

Solutions for Alcoholism

The problem of alcoholism presents a number of solutions. Possible treatments to address problems on alcoholism include: acute withdrawal and detoxification, medications, individual or family counseling and mutual help groups. Withdrawal and detoxification treatments are geared in alleviating and treating different withdrawal symptoms. According to Heather and Stockwell (36-37) that the symptoms of withdrawal include: hallucinogenic (Nausea, visual disturbance, muscle pain, sleep disorder, pruritus, agitation, and hallucinations; affective and physiologic (anxiety, depression, tremors, and sweats); and delirium (clouding of the senses, impaired consciousness and contact with observer). Meanwhile, certain medications are prescribed to avoid the recurrence of alcoholism while under treatment. Pharmacological treatments include deterrent medications such as disulfiram which should be taken regularly; metronidazole, an antimicrobial drug which has a disulfiram- like effect with ethanol; and calcium carbimide but is now out of production (53- 54).

Another is treatment for alcoholism individual or family counseling. This treatment employs the use of therapeutic communication by the therapist in exploring the feelings of the individual or the family. Moreover, the goal of this treatment is the attainment of behavioral changes and motivations of the clients as well as the families involved. It is imperative for the therapist to include the significant others of the client in order to gain full cooperation. Lastly, others choose to participate in mutual help groups. One popular group for the individuals with alcoholism problem is the Alcoholic Anonymous. Here the individuals share their insights to other members which foster encouragement and motivation. There are a number of help groups with the goal of helping alcoholics be functional again.

Conclusion

Alcoholism indeed has many faces. Many believe that alcohol has positive effects thus there is nothing wrong in drinking alcohol while others insist that alcohol could only harm the body. Moreover, alcohol when taken in moderation is acceptable but abuse and dependence associated with alcohol are two serious issues that should be addressed accordingly. Meanwhile, the psychological, social, and physical effects of alcohol have two opposing sides but the weight of the consequences of alcohol abuse and dependence is tremendous.
The problem on alcoholism is far serious than most people think. Dependence and abuse have been proven destructive emotionally, physically, and socially. In fact, some of the reported cases of accidents and deaths are alcohol related or the driver is under the influence of alcohol during the time of the accident. Alcoholism is a societal issue and it should be addressed properly. Moreover, some of the treatments to address the problem are quite expensive to many thus many are left untreated and suffer from the physical and psychological consequences of alcoholism.

References

American Psychiatric Association. Diagnostic Criteria from DSM IV. American Psychiatric Press: USA, 1999.
Bauer, Lance, Costa, Laura, and Hesselbrock, Victor. "Effects of Alcoholism, Anxiety and Depression on P300 in Women: A Pilot Study." Journal of Studies on Alcohol. 62. 5 (2001): 571+.
Bray, Jeremy and Zarkin, Gary. "Economic Evaluation of Alcoholism Treatment." Alcohol Research & Health. 29.1 (2006): 27+.
Donovan, Dennis et. al. "Quality of Life as an Outcome Measure in Alcoholism Treatment Research. Journal of Studies on Alcohol. 66. 4 (2005): 119+.
Heather, Nick and Stockwell, Tim. The Essential Handbook of Treatment and Prevention of Alcohol Problems. Hoboken, NJ: Wily, 2004.
Stocker, Steven. "Finding the Future Alcoholic: Scientists May Soon Be Able to Identify Children Who Are Likely to Become Alcoholics. but Will Society Be Able to Prevent Their Addiction." The Futurist. May 2002: 42+.
Stratton, Jerry. "A History of Alcoholism." 14 March 2008.