Alcoholism

WRITTEN BY J.D.DINU IRANDI JAYASINGHE CLASS OF 2025

Alcoholism and drug addiction are pressing issues that affect millions of individuals and families worldwide. While they both fall under the broader umbrella of substance use disorders, they manifest in different ways and have unique consequences. Understanding these issues is essential for individuals struggling with addiction, their loved ones, and society as a whole.

INTRODUCTION

Alcoholism, or alcohol use disorder (AUD), is characterized by an individual’s inability to control their drinking despite the negative effects it has on their life. It is a chronic disease recognized by medical professionals and it can range from mild to severe.

Symptoms may include such as,

 •Craving: A strong need or urge to drink.

•Loss of control: Inability to limit drinking on any given occasion.

 •Physical Dependence: Withdrawal symptoms such as nausea, sweating, or shaking when the individual stops drinking.

•Tolerance: Need to drink larger amounts of alcohol to achieve the same effects.

HOW MUCH IS TOO MUCH ALCOHOL?

Moderate drinking is characterized as drinking one standard drink a day for women and two standard drinks for men within a day.

A standard drink is defined as any drink regardless the size of the container or the kind of alcohol in it and which contain 10 grams of pure alcoholic beverages (beer, wine, liquor, etc.)

• 30 mL of spirits (40% alc. vol)

• 100 mL of wine (13% alc. vol)

• 285 mL of full strength beer (4.8% alc.vol)

WHAT ARE THE CAUSES OF ALCOHOL ADDICTION?

Several of the most common causes of alcoholism are:

• Biological factors (Genetics and physiology. While some individuals can limit the amount of alcohol they consume, others feel a strong impulse to keep going.)

• Environmental factors.

• Social factors (Social factors can contribute to a person’s views of drinking. Your culture, religion, family and work influence many of your behaviours, including drinking. Family plays the biggest role in a person’s likelihood of developing alcoholism. Children who are exposed to alcohol abuse from an early age are more at risk of falling into a dangerous drinking pattern.)

• Psychological factors. (Different psychological factors may increase the chances of heavy drinking. people with high stress, anxiety, depression and other mental health conditions are more vulnerable to developing alcoholism)

HEALTH EFFECTS OF ALCOHOL

Brain: Alcohol interferes with the brain’s communication pathways, and can affect the way the brain looks and works. These disruptions can change mood and behavior, and make it harder to think clearly and move with coordination.

Heart: Drinking a lot over a long time or too much on a single occasion can damage the heart, causing problems including: Cardiomyopathy – Stretching and drooping of heart muscle, Arrhythmias – Irregular heartbeat, Stroke, High blood pressure.

Liver: Heavy drinking takes a toll on the liver, and can lead to a variety of problems and liver inflammations including: Statuses, or Fatty liver, Alcoholic hepatitis, Fibrosis, Cirrhosis.

Pancreas: It is known that alcohol is what stimulates the body as well as the pancreas to start creating toxins over time which ultimately results into pancreatitis which is inflammation in the pancreas that triggers swelling and will manifest pain (we may extend). And other symptoms in that the pancreas lose the functional ability in producing enzymes and hormonal substances needed for digestion.

HOW TO HELP A FAMILY MEMBER WITH ALCOHOL ADDICTION?

Helping a loved one struggling with alcohol dependence can be tough and needs empathy, patience, and understanding. Here are a few things you can do to offer support:

Communicate openly while also setting healthy boundaries. Express your care and concern from a place of caring, not criticism. Hear their perspective with an open mind. While addiction is a family disease, you cannot rescue them from it - they must choose help themselves. Professional guidance is often necessary for recovery to stick.

Lending a hand to an addict requires stamina, as healing is rarely a straight path. Keep your own wellbeing a priority too by avoiding codependent tendencies. Encourage treatment options and maintain hope, but remember the journey back is theirs alone. Research addiction science so you recognize it as an illness, not a personal flaw, and show compassion accordingly. Read about others' recovery experiences for insight and encouragement.

If your relative or friend is struggling with alcoholism or related signs, delay no longer in connecting with a specialist. Addiction should not be allowed to undo a person's hopes, bonds and future. With understanding and the right help, long-lasting recovery is achievable.