Alcoholism subject in the world. Trying to understand

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1.   CED 4: BIBLICAL PERSPECTIVE ON SOCIAL ISSUES TOPIC :ALCOHOLISM

2. WHAT IS ALCOHOL? Alcohol is a chemical compound that is commonly consumed in beverages. Ethanol is produced through the fermentation of sugars by yeast. It is found in various alcoholic beverages such as beer, wine, and spirits. For this reason, alcohol is sometimes thought of, erroneously, as a depressant.  It is considered a depressant because it primarily slows down the central nervous system's activity. This means that alcohol consumption can lead to effects such as relaxation, decreased inhibition, and impaired coordination.

3.   According to the World Health Organization (2022) Alcohol is a toxic and psychoactive substance with dependence producing properties. In many of today’s societies, alcoholic beverages are a routine part of the social landscape for many in the population. This is particularly true for those in social environments with high visibility and societal influence, nationally and internationally, where alcohol frequently accompanies socializing. In this context, it is easy to overlook or discount the health and social damage caused or contributed to by drinking. On the one hand, they hear that moderate alcohol use is acceptable, and in some instances may actually be good for your health. According to the National Health of Institute (2019) Moderate alcohol consumption may lead to higher levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, often referred to as "good" cholesterol. Higher levels of HDL cholesterol are associated with a reduced risk of heart disease.

4. ALCOHOLISM Alcoholism, also known as alcohol use disorder (AUD), is a medical condition characterized by a chronic disease in which a person craves drinks that contain alcohol and is unable to control his or her drinking. A person with this disease also needs to drink greater amounts to get the same effect and has withdrawal symptoms after stopping alcohol use. Alcoholism affects physical and mental health, and can cause problems with family, friends, and work. Regular heavy alcohol intake increases the risk of several types of cancer. Also called alcohol dependence.

5. WHAT IS ALCOHOL ABUSE?   Alcohol abuse, also called problem drinking, occurs when drinking alcohol becomes an issue that creates negative consequences for a person. According to Harvard Health Publishing When an individual's drinking causes distress or harm, that's called an alcohol use disorder. An estimated 10% of adult men and 5% of adult women have an alcohol use disorder. Their use of alcohol leads to health problems or troubles at home, at work, at school, or with the law. Many of them have lost control of their drinking; they are unable to stop or cut down despite serious negative health consequences and the loss of valued activities or relationships.

6. If your pattern of drinking results in repeated significant distress and problems functioning in your daily life, you likely have alcohol use disorder. It can range from mild to severe. However, even a mild disorder can escalate and lead to serious problems, so early treatment is important. Alcoholism, also known as alcohol use disorder (AUD), is a chronic and debilitating condition that affects millions of individuals worldwide. It is characterized by a compulsive pattern of alcohol consumption despite negative consequences, including physical health problems, social impairment, and emotional distress. CHRONIC ALCOHOLISM

7. Genetic predisposition plays a significant role in the development of chronic alcoholism. Research has shown that individuals with a family history of alcoholism are at a higher risk of developing AUD themselves. Unhealthy alcohol use includes any alcohol use that puts your health or safety at risk or causes other alcohol-related problems. It also includes a pattern of drinking where a male has five or more drinks within two hours or a female has at least four drinks within two hours. Binge drinking causes significant health and safety risks. Environmental influences also shape an individual's risk of developing chronic alcoholism. Exposure to alcohol at an early age, either through family members or social networks, can significantly impact drinking behavior. Family attitudes towards alcohol, cultural norms regarding drinking, and peer pressure all play a role in shaping an individual's drinking habits. Psychological factors, such as stress, trauma, and mental health disorders, contribute to the development of chronic alcoholism. Initiating alcohol use at a young age, particularly during adolescence, is associated with an increased risk of developing AUD later in life.

8.   In conclusion, chronic alcoholism is a multifaceted condition influenced by a combination of genetic, environmental, social, and psychological factors. Understanding the pathways to chronic alcoholism is crucial for effective prevention, intervention, and treatment efforts. By addressing the underlying factors contributing to alcohol misuse and providing comprehensive support and resources, individuals struggling with alcoholism can find the help they need to achieve and maintain sobriety. Ultimately, promoting awareness, education, and access to evidence-based interventions is essential in combating the public health burden of chronic alcoholism. Early exposure to alcohol can disrupt brain development and increase susceptibility to addiction. Furthermore, peer influence during adolescence plays a significant role in shaping drinking behavior, with associations with peers who engage in heavy drinking or encourage alcohol consumption increasing the risk of developing alcoholism.

9. TEENAGE DRINKING Alcohol is the most commonly used drug among teens and young adults and the consequences of this are severe. Millions of young people experience health issues as a response to drinking too much alcohol, resulting in underage drinking becoming a leading public health problem worldwide. The 2019 National Drug Strategy Household Survey The upsurge of teenage drinking can be attributed to various factors, including social, cultural, psychological, and environmental influences. REASONS WHY TEENAGE DRINKING IS A THING: 1 Peer Pressure 2 Experimentation 3 Stress and Coping mechanism 4 Availability and Accessibility

10. CAUSES AND EFFECTS OF EXCESSIVE DRINKING Over the past several decades, many studies have focused on the causes and risk factors associated with alcoholism. While there is not an exact formula to depict a person’s drinking habits, data has shown that alcohol abuse is influenced by a variety of factors. However, alcoholism is a disease that does not discriminate and can impact anyone regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, body type or personal beliefs.   Alcohol dependence can form quickly and aggressively, or it may surface over a longer period of time. Regardless of when or how a drinking problem starts, there are plenty of treatment options available to help get your life back on track. Seeking professional help will provide you with the greatest chance for lasting sobriety.   Excessive drinking, also known as alcohol abuse or alcoholism, can have numerous causes and effects, both on the individual and society as a whole.

11. CAUSES AND EFFECTS OF EXCESSIVE DRINKING CAUSES 1 Genetic Factor 2 Psychological Factors 3 Social and Environmental Factors 4 Traumatic Experience 5 Biological Factors 6 Early Exposure EFFECTS 1 Mental Health Issues 2 Social Consequences 3 Work and Financial Problems 4 Risk f or Accidents 5 Impact on Society 6 Developmental Effects Overall, excessive drinking not only harms the individual's physical and mental health but also has far-reaching consequences for families, communities, and society as a whole. Intervention, support, and access to treatment are essential in addressing alcohol abuse effectively.

12. CHARACTERISTICS OF AN ALCOHOLIC The characteristics of an alcoholic can vary from person to person, but there are some common traits and behaviors often associated with alcoholism. It's important to note that alcoholism is a complex disorder with both genetic and environmental factors at play. Craving and Preoccupation Loss of Control Physical Dependence Increased Tolerance Withdrawal Sym ptoms Loss of Interest in other Activities 7. Continued Use despite Negative Consequences 8. Secrecy and Denial Drinking Alone or in Secret Increased Risk-Taking Behavior Physical and Psychological Health Issues Relationship Strain

13. TREATMENTS FOR EXCESSIVE DRINKING OF ALCOHOL As we all know, it’s hard to treat something that we are addicted to. We tend to lessen it little by little. Treating excessive alcohol drinking, or alcohol use disorder (AUD), typically involves a combination of medical, behavioral, and psychosocial interventions. The appropriate treatment plan depends on the individual's specific needs, severity of the disorder, and any co-occurring mental or physical health conditions. Increase Alcohol Taxes Regulate Alcohol Outlet Density Screening and Brief Intervention Programs Enhance Enforcement of Laws Prohibiting Sales to Minors Educa tional Programs These measures, along with others such as restricting alcohol advertising and sales, can contribute to reducing excessive drinking and its related harms

14. CONCLUSION In conclusion, alcoholism is a complicated and multidimensional illness that can have a significant impact on people, families, and society at large. It is typified by a pattern of binge drinking, losing control over alcohol intake, and experiencing bad outcomes in many facets of life. The ramifications of alcoholism are extensive and can affect one's physical and mental health as well as relationships, employment, and general quality of life. The causes of alcoholism are varied and might include genetic, environmental, social, and psychological variables. Despite the difficulties, alcoholism may be recovered from, and many people can become sober and stay sober with the correct help and tools. Prevention initiatives that work to lessen alcohol abuse, increase public knowledge of the dangers of binge drinking, and encourage healthy coping mechanisms.

15. REFERENCES https://www.alcoholrehabguide.org/treatment/alcohol-and-fitness/ https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/alcohol https://www.helpguide.org/articles/addictions/underage-drinking.htm#:~:text=The%20teen%20years%20are%20tough,trauma%2C%20ADHD%2C%20or%20depression. https://www.britannica.com/topic/alcoholic-beverage https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/alcohol-use-disorder/symptoms-causes/syc-20369243 https://freebythesea.com/recognizing-the-most-common-characteristics-of-an-alcoholic/