Alcoholism

Alcohol also named as ethyl alcohol, has been used from ages as a drug.



Alcohol is produced when certain yeasts react with sugar and water and fermentation takes place. Although alcohol is a depressant ,its initial effect is an apparent stimulation. Alcoholism is a consumption of alcohol, wherein, the person experiences a feeling of well- being and  reduction of one’s inhibitions. Moreover it is usually more psychological than physiological.

Alcohol is not a habit- forming drug like morphine and other allied drugs.



With continuous drinking, alcohol depresses more areas of the brain, impeding the ability to function properly. Motor coordination impairs such as slurred speech, staggering etc.,person become confused, ability to make judgments is reduced, vision and hearing are affected and so on.

Alcohol affects many parts of the body. People drink for many reasons. One type of such is called misery drinking.Inthis the person desires intoxication and unconsciousness.



Industrial drinking refers to drinking by a worker while at work or at meal times. Emergency drinking are those person’s who are nervous and sensitive and depend upon others for their self-esteem.

Men are more likely than women to drink alcohol. Many terms are used to link with the use of alcoholism.



Use, misuse, heavy use, abuse, addiction, and dependence are all common labels used to describe drinking habits.

The cause of alcohol dependence is primarily due to physiological, psychological and sociocultural factors. Physiologically alcohol dependency is the result of genetic factor or inherited predisposition. Alcoholism caused by alcohol consumption is due to family pressures, work pressure, interpersonal difficulties, emotional difficulties etc. Some people are exposed to alcohol due to media influence, peer pressure or parental exposure to drink.



Other cause of alcoholism is due to psychological influence. Personality characteristics such as, low self- esteem, low confidence, lack of internal control, escapism  etc. force an alcohol person to drink heavily.

Alcoholism can be treated with various therapies. Addiction counseling is the most effective treatment in alcohol counseling.



The objectives of it are:

1. To make decision
2. To handle stress
3. Developing a positive integrated view of life.
4. To attain mental control

Different therapies such as psychoanalytic, behavioristic  and humanistic therapies help the alcoholic to cope with the problem.
Alcoholic anonymous centers help the alcoholics to cope with the alcoholism and to live a normal healthy life. These are the sessions wherein alcoholic people come together and share their problems with other members and help their colleagues to come out of the problem. Along with medication  psychological treatment s are given to alcoholics. Simple therapies such as Aversion therapy where negative associations with drug use like shocks with drinking, imagining nausea etc are used. Contingency management programs  to change behaviors by rewarding are also helpful.

Along with these treatments ,family counseling is also of help to an alcoholic .