ALCOHOLISM

Alcoholism is a chronic, often progressive disease in which a person craves alcohol and drinks despite repeated alcohol related problems (like losing a job or a relationship).

Alcoholism involves a physical dependence on alcohol, but other factors include genetic, psychological, and cultural influences

What is alcoholism?

ALCOHOL

By pharmacological definition “alcohol is a drug and may be classified as a sedative , tranquilizer , hypnotic or anesthetic , depending upon the quantity consumed”.

The consumption is 2 liters per person a year. However, patterns of consumption vary. Kerala, Punjab, Andhra Pradesh, Goa and the North-Eastern States have a much higher proportion of alcohol consumption.

BURDEN OF ALCOHOLISM

The population groups at high risk are those undergoing rapid socioeconomic and cultural changes and under peer pressure, they view alcohol as a symbol of prestige and social status.

Studies by Alcohol & Drug Information Centre (ADIC)-India shows an alarming increase in alcohol consumption among adolescents and youth during the last 20 years.

The average age of initiation to alcohol in Kerala which was 19 years in1986 has come down to 14 years in 2006.

AGE OF INITIATION

Drinking by yourself or in secret Craving alcohol, in early hours Not being able to control the amount you drink Blackouts (not remembering events or conversations) Becoming irritable when you can' t get a drink at your

regular time Having legal problems or an inability to sustain a

relationship or a job Withdrawal symptoms, such as nausea, sweating,

shakiness, and anxiety, when you stop drinking Needing more alcohol to feel its effects Liver disease

SYMPTOMS

Family history of alcohol abuse. Having 2 or more adverse events during

childhood Beginning to drink early, by age 16 or sooner Drinking more than 1 - 2 drinks per day Smoking cigarettes (particularly teenagers) Being under a lot of stress Having a pre-existing psychiatric disorder

(such as depression or anxiety) Men have higher rates of alcoholism than

women Broken homes

RISK FACTORS

Physiological –Cardio myopathy, Peripheral Neuropathy, Gastritis , peptic ulcer , liver cirrhosis , pancreatitis, Ca of mouth , Pharynx, liver

Psychological – Loss of inhibitionOver talkativenessLess self control, suicidal tendency

Social - family disintegration, poor work performance, Anti social

behavior, poor interpersonal relation Economical - Poverty , wastage of

national wealth

EFFECTS

EVENTUALLY…..

PREVENTION

TERTIARYSECONDARYPRIMARY

PRIMARY PREVENTIONEducational Approach –

Programs for children ,risk groupElectronic MediaTarget group intervention

Legal ApproachControl of production and saleRaising prices and taxesRaising of minimum ageBan advertisement available centers

low use of alcohol contentimprove mental health and coping mech to stressparents to be Role Model for their children

Early Diagnosis

Adequate Treatmentof withdrawal symptomsof addiction-(physiological, psychological and

social)of complications –(depression ,anxiety ,vitamin

deficiency, cirrhosis)

Post de-toxication counselling & Follow up

Change in Envt.at home , college ,work place..

SECONDARY PREVENTION

Started in 1935-Robert Hall Brook Smith

William Griffin Wilson An international fellowship

of men and women who once had a drinking problem. It is nonprofessional, self-supporting, nondenominational and apolitical

ALCOHOLIC ANONYMOUS

A.A. members share their experience with anyone seeking help with a drinking problem; they give "sponsorship" to the alcoholic coming from any source.

The A.A. programme, set forth in 12 Steps, offers the alcoholic a way to develop a satisfying life without alcohol.

This programme is discussed at A.A. group meetings.

It includes treatment and rehabilitationAfter care programs

Vocational guidance

Counseling

Recreation.

TERITIARY PREVENTION

THINK B4 U DRINK…

THANK YOU