ALCOHOLISM

It has become a part and parcel of many

Its considered as a style statement among the young men, women, rich, poor , educated and uneducated. It is deemed as a social lubricant among creamy layer of the society. Consumed for pleasure, excitement, delight, curiosity to relive stress in get together part of culture or celebration.

Scenario in Goa
This small State with a population of about 15 lakh has 10,000 plus alcohol shops. Of the total 4630 deaths reported in Goa Medical College (GMC), Bambolim, for the year 2002-2003 According to traffic police, over the years there is steep spurt in the cases of drunk driving. The cases of alcoholism received at the Institute of Psychiatry and Human Behavior (IPHB) have also risen in the last five years They can give them treatment but can t change their social environment which is why they take to drinking

 Goans have come to be known as alcoholics and of the unspoken reasons that draws hoards of domestic tourist to Goa is the cheap and easily available alcohol.

Alcoholics are Characterized by the following:

Craving: A strong need, or compulsion, to drink. Loss of control: The inability to limit one s drinking on any given occasion. Physical dependence: Withdrawal symptoms, such as nausea, sweating, shakiness, and anxiety, occur when alcohol use is stopped after a period of heavy drinking. Tolerance: The need to drink greater amounts of alcohol in order to get high.

The human brain doesn t fully develop until the early 20 s. Alcohol use before then drastically impacts learning and memory.

Source: www.mystudentbody.com

 Alcohol needs no digestion and is absorbed rapidly into the blood stream. It takes the liver about one hour to break down one drink of alcohol.

Alcoholism Inheritance
It runs in the family Learning From Parents

Social Problems
Driving Under The Influence Crime And Violence
Homicide Assault And Other Crimes Of Violence Suicide

Alcohol And Violence

Medical Approaches
Detoxication Treatment Rehab/Aftercare

1. Don t drink alone 2. Don t use alcohol as medicine 3. Develop a party plan set a drinking limit before you go out 4. Alternate alcohol and nonalcoholic drinks 5. Drink slowly 6. Eat before and while you drink 7. Be wary of mixed drinks which can speed alcohol to the blood and brain 8. Don t make drinking the primary focus of the event 9. Learn to say no 10. Stay safe
Source: Hales, Diane. An Invitation to Health. 521.

conclusion
Alcoholism is treatable. With treatment it is possible to give up drinking totally and live without alcohol. However, as with other diseases, the earlier the help is sought, the lesser the damage and the better the recovery.

THANK YOU !!!