the effect of excessive alcohol use in the behavioural pattern of individuals in our society
Introduction
There are various sources of which
disorders in a human person can emanate from, one of such is the alcohol
related disorder, an alcohol use disorder is a highly prevalent and disabling
condition, it is associated with high rates of medical and psychiatric
comorbidity as well as early morality. Though it is noted through research that
in Male and female Gender-Related Diagnostic issues Males have higher rates of
drinking and related disorders than females. However, because females generally
weigh less than males, have more fat and less water in their bodies, and
metabolize less alcohol in their esophagus and stomach, they are likely to
develop higher blood alcohol levels per drink than males. Females who drink
heavily may also be more vulnerable than males to some of the physical
consequences associated with alcohol, including liver disease.[1] This paper is a discourse
of the effect of excessive alcohol use in the behavioural pattern of
individuals in our society, we shall explore its characteristics and thereafter
a suggestion of possible treatment and management of the disorder.
Alcohol Use Disorder
Before we can talk of an alcoholic
disorder we have to consider whether there is an impairment or distress at
least having two of the following showing off at the period twelve months and
this is as a result of an excessive intake of it emerging from a persistent desire unsuccessful efforts to
reduce the intake of it. Other measures are also considered such as; the
patient must to have intense interest (desire) to use alcohol. and he spent much of his time in boating and using
alcohol and perhaps if he eventually got drunk or have any other harmful effect
it takes also much time to recover. the effect of alcohol in the patient to be
examined must have prevent him or her from functioning in his or her duties respectively.
The effect of it might have also cause continuous social and interpersonal
challenges in the environment of which the client stays or goes and it also
affects pertinent engagement(social, religious, educational, occupational activities
etc). Its continuous usage after experience dangerous effect on the physical or
biological, psychological well being of the individual.[2]
Prevalence
It is evidence that in Nigeria both
male and females (adolescence, young adult and adult) take alcoholic
substances, from research it is shown that the percentage of individuals in
their adolescence is less both in male and female. The percentage increases
highly among the young adults; though that of the males is more than that of
the females. The highest percentage is found among the adults especially the
males in their late adulthood.
Means Of Diagnosis ( Determining The
Disorder )
Those with high risk for alcohol use
disorder can be identified both through standardized questionnaires and by
elevations in blood test results likely to be seen with regular heavier
drinking. These measures do not establish a diagnosis of an alcohol-related
disorder but can be useful in highlighting individuals for whom more
information should be gathered. The most direct test available to measure
alcohol consumption cross-sectionally is blood alcohol concentration. This
involve the degree concentration in the individual raging from 150 mg of
ethanol per decilitre (without signs of intoxication can be presumed to have
acquired a degree of tolerance) At 200 mg/dL, most non tolerant individuals
demonstrate severe intoxication. Regarding laboratory tests, one sensitive
laboratory indicator of heavy drinking is a modest elevation or high-normal
levels (>35 units) of gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT). A second test with
comparable or even higher levels of sensitivity and specificity is carbon
hydrate-deficient transferring (CDT), with levels of 20 units or higher useful
in identifying individuals who regularly consume eight or more drinks daily. [3]
Possible Causes Of Alcoholic Use
Disorder (Etiological Considerations)
Problem drinking has multiple
causes, with genetic, physiological, psychological, and social factors all
playing a role. Not every individual is equally affected by each cause. For
some alcohol abusers, psychological traits such as impulsiveness, low
self-esteem and a need for approval prompt inappropriate drinking. Some individuals
drink to cope with or "medicate" emotional problems. Social and
environmental factors such as peer pressure and the easy availability of
alcohol can play key roles. Poverty and physical or sexual abuse also increase
the odds of developing alcohol dependence.[4]
Genetic and physiological Factor; It
is proven that Alcohol use disorder runs in families, with 40%-60% of the
variance of risk explained by genetic influences. The rate of this condition is
three to four times higher in close relatives of individuals with alcohol use
disorder, with values highest for individuals with a greater number of affected
relatives, closer genetic relationships to the affected person, and higher
severity of the alcohol-related problems in those relatives. A significantly
higher rate of alcohol use disorders exists in the monozygotic twin than in the
dizygotic twin of an individual with the condition. A three- to fourfold
increase in risk has been observed in children of individuals with alcohol use
disorder, even when these children were given up for adoption at birth and
raised by adoptive parents who did not have the disorder. it is important to
note, however, that any one gene variation is likely to explain only l%-2% of
the risk for these disorders. Course modifiers. In general, high levels of
impulsivity are associated with an earlier onset and more severe alcohol use
disorder.[5]
Consequences
Of Alcohol Use Disorders
While some research suggests that
small amounts of alcohol may have beneficial cardiovascular effects, there is
widespread agreement that heavier drinking can lead to health problems. Short-term
effects include memory loss, hangovers, and blackouts. Long-term problems
associated with heavy drinking include stomach ailments, heart problems,
cancer, brain damage, serious memory loss and liver cirrhosis. Heavy drinkers
also markedly increase their chances of dying from automobile accidents,
homicide, and suicide. Although men are much more likely than women to develop
alcoholism, women's health suffers more, even at lower levels of consumption.
Drinking problems also have a very negative impact on mental health. Alcohol
abuse and alcoholism can worsen existing conditions such as depression or
induce new problems such as serious memory loss, depression or anxiety.
Alcohol problems don't just hurt the
drinker. Spouses and children of heavy drinkers may face family violence;
children may suffer physical and sexual abuse and neglect and develop
psychological problems. Women who drink during pregnancy run a serious risk of
damaging their fetuses. Relatives, friends and strangers can be injured or
killed in alcohol-related accidents and assaults.[6]
Treatment
Psychologists who are trained and
experienced in treating alcohol problems can be helpful in many ways. Before
the drinker seeks assistance, a psychologist can guide the family or others in
helping to increase the drinker's motivation to change. A psychologist can
begin with the drinker by assessing the types and degrees of problems the
drinker has experienced. The results of the assessment can offer initial
guidance to the drinker about what treatment to seek and help motivate the
problem drinker to get treatment. Individuals with drinking problems improve
their chances of recovery by seeking help early. Using one or more of several
types of psychological therapies, psychologists can help people address
psychological issues involved in their problem drinking. A number of these
therapies, including cognitive-behavioral coping skills treatment and motivational
enhancement therapy, were developed by psychologists. Additional therapies
include 12-Step facilitation approaches that assist those with drinking
problems in using self-help programs such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA). These therapies
can help people boost their motivation to stop drinking, identify circumstances
that trigger drinking, learn new methods to cope with high-risk drinking
situations, and develop social support systems within their own communities. Psychologists
can also provide marital, family, and group therapies, which often are helpful
for repairing interpersonal relationships and for resolving problem drinking
over the long term. Family relationships influence drinking behavior, and these
relationships often change during an individual's recovery.[7]
Conclusion
In
our discourse above we have been able to highlight the various means of which
could be used to determine and individual with alcoholic use disorders, it is
evident that the consequences of such disorder is harmful to both the
individual and the society and its major caused are the genetic and
environmental factors, Moreover possible suggestions are given showing that the
disorder could be manage or control with the helped of a trained psychologist.
References
American Psychological Association, Understanding
Alcoholic Use Disorders and Treatment,
(www.apa.org/helpcenter/alcohol-disorders.aspx, checked on 9/06/2015.)
American Psychiatric
Association: Diagnostic and Statistical
manual for Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition, Arlington, VA, American
Psychiatric Association, 2013.
[1] Cf. American Psychiatric
Association: Diagnostic and Statistical
manual for Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition, Arlington, VA, American
Psychiatric Association, 2013, p. 495.
[3] Cf. American Psychiatric
Association: Diagnostic and Statistical
manual for Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition, Arlington, VA, American Psychiatric
Association, 2013, p.495
[4] American Psychological
Association, Understanding Alcoholic Use Disorders and Treatment,
(www.apa.org/helpcenter/alcohol-disorders.aspx,
checked on 9/06/2015.)
[5] Cf.American Psychiatric
Association: Diagnostic and Statistical
manual for Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition, Arlington, VA, American Psychiatric
Association, 2013, p. 494.
[6] American Psychological
Association, Understanding Alcoholic Use Disorders and Treatment, (www.apa.org/helpcenter/alcohol-disorders.aspx,
checked on 9/06/2015.)
[7]. American
Psychological Association, Understanding Alcoholic Use Disorders and
Treatment, (www.apa.org/helpcenter/alcohol-disorders.aspx, checked on
9/06/2015.)
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