An essay on the problem of alcoholism and suggested ways to treat and prevent its spread in the society

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Alcoholism
In today’s society, alcoholism is quickly becoming a menace. It is a disease that is
affecting people of all ages but has been observed to be rampant in the younger generation.
Continued abuse of alcohol can have adverse effects on one’s physical, mental, emotional and
spiritual health as well as other undesirable effects to the community. One risks dangers such
as irreversible damage to crucial organs and body systems, for example, liver and heart failure
in addition to a compromised brain, nervous system, and stomach. Alcoholism also has severe
consequences for one's social life. It can lead to cases of domestic violence, loss of
employment, marital conflicts, and isolation from family and friends.
To control alcohol abuse, we have to be able to recognize the symptoms of alcoholism.
By knowing them, we can quickly identify an alcoholic and take the necessary steps forward.
Physical symptoms are the most obvious. They include incoherent speech, poor balance,
delayed reflexes, blackouts or loss of consciousness, persistent stomach pains, nausea and
vomiting, and redness of the face during and after periods of heavy consumption (Littrell,
2014). Increased abuse of alcohol results to more serious medical symptoms such as;
 Expression of anger and other emotions especially in inappropriate places
 Participating in risky activities that have serious health financial and legal
consequences
 Neglecting family and professional obligations
 Insomnia followed by oversleeping and
 The inevitable loss of control over the amount of alcohol consumed.

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Excessive consumption of alcohol can ultimately cause death. One can drink so much
alcohol reaching a level of intoxication that is life threatening. This excessive consumption
puts a strain on the respiratory system causing it to shut down resulting in death.
Alcoholism, however, is not a death sentence. An alcoholic can seek treatment though
the victim has to accept that there is a problem and agrees to quit drinking. The alcoholic has
to be motivated to change and understand that alcoholism has a cure. Treatment of abuse of
alcohol is in three stages; detoxification, rehabilitation and finally the maintenance of sobriety
(Robinson, 2015). Detoxification involves the complete cut off from any alcoholic substances.
An alcoholic should get rid of all alcohol, barware and any drinking reminders from the office
and home. One should also avoid bad influences that do not support the decision to quit
drinking. For heavier drinkers, they may require medication and medical assistance during
this period of detoxification. The medication is used to treat the withdrawal symptoms, but
they are usually tapered then discontinued to avoid a secondary addiction problem.
Rehabilitation will require the alcoholic to build a new and meaningful life that is not
dependent on alcohol. A proper diet and exercise should be a vital part of this treatment.
Exercise and proper diet help to relieve stress, promoting emotional well-being and keeping
the alcohol cravings at bay. One should also find a support system ideally surrounding
yourself with people who recognize your efforts are cheering you on to good health. At this
crucial stage of treatment, one should stay away from negative influences at all costs. One
should also join a group of other recovering alcoholics to improve the chances of staying
sober. A recovering alcoholic should also seek professional help in the form of a counselor or
a sponsor. A sponsor or counselor will give the alcoholic an opportunity to express his

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feelings and someone to steer them away from alcohol cravings, which will, in turn, help the
alcoholic in maintaining his sobriety (Smith, Robinson, & Segal, 2015).
As with all other diseases and vices in today’s society, prevention is always better than
treatment. Prevention of alcohol abuse has numerous advantages such as improvement in
one's quality of life, academic performance, productivity, reduction in crime and accidents to
mention but a few. Measures to be put in place to prevent abuse of alcohol are school-based
interventions that would teach the young generation ways to say no to alcohol, by employing
interactive teaching techniques, and correcting the misconception that drinking is okay as
everybody is doing it (Stigler, Neusel, & Perry, 2011). Engaging the community in the
prevention of underage drinking and focusing on family-focused interventions is also another
effective way to prevent alcohol abuse. Family factors are crucial to a young person. They
play a vital role in determining whether or not a young person will be an alcoholic (Spoth,
Schainker, & Hiller-Sturmhöefel, 2011). Other preventive strategies that have seen great
success among college students and individuals in the workplace are, providing motivational
interventions, challenging one's expectations about alcohol, and feedback from colleagues on
how the alcohol is affecting their professional and personal life. By utilizing these strategies,
the number of alcoholics in the society will reduce.
Reduction of alcohol abuse can also be another effective way of taming this vice in the
society. Reduction involves cutting back on alcohol as opposed to not taking alcohol at all.
Reduction requires a lot of discipline as the risk of relapsing and becoming alcohol dependent
is very high (Hanson, 2015). Reducing alcohol intake requires one to develop an alcohol
intake diary. The diary will help track the amount of alcohol one takes in a particular period.
One has to further, set out days that they stay away from alcohol and in this spirit, avoid

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social gatherings that are offering alcoholic beverages. Alcohol reduction is not necessarily a
way to curb alcoholism rather a means that individuals employ to reduce the risks of
becoming alcoholics.
Alcoholism is in no doubt a serious medical condition. Every individual, as well as the
community in whole, should do everything possible to make sure that this vice is handled and
eliminated. Although the complete eradication of alcohol abuse is impossible, we can employ
preventive measures to reduce the menace and make sure that the next generation does not fall
under alcoholism.

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References
Hanson, D. J. (2015, February 18). Alcohol Abuse Can be Reduced. Retrieved April 02, 2015,
from Alcohol Problems and Solutions:
http://www2.potsdam.edu/alcohol/Controversies/Alcohol-Abuse-Can-be-
Reduced.html#.VR0UMo700Zx
Littrell, J. (2014). Understanding and Treating Alcoholism: Volume I: An Empirically Based
Clinician's Handbook for the Treatment of Alcoholism: volume Ii: Biological,
Psychological, and Social Aspects of Alcohol Consumption and Abuse. London:
Psychology Press.
Robinson, J. (2015, March 01). Substance Abuse and Addiction Health Center. Retrieved
April 02, 2015, from Web MD: http://www.webmd.com/mental-
health/addiction/understanding-alcohol-abuse-treatment
Smith, M., Robinson, L., & Segal, J. (2015, February 01). Alcohol Abuse Treatment and Self-
Help. How to Stop Drinking and Start Recovery. Retrieved April 02, 2015, from
HelpGuide.Org: http://www.helpguide.org/articles/addiction/alcohol-addiction-
treatment-and-self-help.htm
Spoth, R. L., Schainker, L. M., & Hiller-Sturmhöefel, S. (2011). Translating family-focused
prevention science into public health impact: Illustrations from partnership-based
research. Alcohol Research & Health 34(2), 188–203.
Stigler, M. H., Neusel, E., & Perry, C. L. (2011). School-based programs to prevent and
reduce alcohol use among youth. Alcohol Research & Health 34(2), 157–162.