Alcoholism is a disorder whereby a person has problems in controlling the consumption of alcohol even if he is aware of the inherent effects of overconsumption of alcohol. When a person drinks large amounts of alcohol over a long period, addiction occurs. Overdependence on alcohol poses significant risks to the health of the user. Also, alcoholism has significant effects on the lives of the family members and the members of the society (Witz, 2012).
Alcoholics are always exposed to many health issues some which are characterized by enhancing tolerance to drinking a fact that hinders an individual’s ability to control the use of alcohol. Also, prolonged use of alcohol has a negative impact on an individual’s mental health which can, in turn, enhance the risks of depression, suicidal feelings and related psychiatric disorders (Weitz, 2012).
A study by Carlson (2013) indicates that addiction to alcohol can lead to health complications like peptic ulcers, liver cirrhosis and damage to the central nervous system of the user which negatively affects the physical stability of the alcoholic. Furthermore, prolonged consumption of alcohol can lead to immunological issues thus causing fragility of the skeletal tissues.
Research by Crag (2013) noted that alcoholism is the third leading cause of total global deaths. Overdependence on alcohol tends to reduce the life expectancy of the user. This is because people who use alcohol are at high risk of being involved in road accidents a fact that can either lead to death or a permanent physical disability.
According to Carag (2013), alcoholism is the leading cause of teenage pregnancies and the spread of HIV/Aids. This is because overindulgence can expose alcoholics to indulging in unhealthy sexual behaviours.Often; sexual partners who are under the influence of alcohol are less likely to use protection a fact that poses a danger of contracting sexually transmitted diseases.
A study by opines that Women who are addicted to alcohol are susceptible to more health issues that their male counterparts. He further highlights that the mortality rate in women who abuse alcohol tends to be higher than that of the men. Besides; alcoholism has a negative effect on a woman’s reproductive health. Reproduction dysfunctional issues like early menopause and irregular menstrual cycle are some of the effects of overdependence the on alcohol among women.
Research by Crag (2013) indicates that there exists a strong relationship between the consumption of alcohol and drug abuse. Since alcoholism and drug abuse compliments each other as both makes an individual to be high, Weitz (2012) contends that the use of the former is always the gateway to the abuse of the later. Besides, most of the events where people are drinking often happen together with activities where people are taking drugs. The abuse of drugs like tobacco can lead to lung cancer and the loss of appetite and weight of the user. The loss of appetite may make an expose an individual to nutrition deficiency diseases.
Stress is an issue of concern among public health practitioners. Carlson (2013) established that stress has a negative impact on the physical and mental well-being of an individual. The inability of an individual to cope up with the stressing factors to an extent of even engaging in unhealthy habits like drinking has elicited studies on the relationship between stress and alcoholism.
Stress which is often described as a subjective tension in the body is often triggered by many stressors which include illness, substance abuse, relationships breakdown, work or conflicts at home. When an individual is exposed to prolonged stress Carlson (2013) highlights that the excessive tension can cause damage to the physical and mental health of the person being stressed.
The chemicals responsible for stress response are supposed to last in the bloodstream for a shorter period. However, individuals who are chronically stressed up may overwork the stress hormones a fact that can make the immune system of a person to be less effective. This is because stress induces the body immune system to secrete excess chemicals so as to cope up with the stressor. The excess chemicals begin to damage the body organs a fact that leads to diseases like ulcers. Also, stress increases the risk of individual getting diabetes and pulmonary diseases. Weitz (2012) further reiterates that individuals who are affected by chronic stress mass suffer from depression and fatigue a condition that can lead to mental illness. People who are suffering from chronic stress are at high risk of engaging in drugs and substance abuse. This is because they tend to think that drugs will make them forget about the stressor.
A study conducted by Crag (2013) indicates that many people drink alcohol so as to cope up with marital issues, job stress and economic stress if they don’t get adequate social support. Stress has also been attributed to addiction because the more severe the stressor, the greater the amount of alcohol consumption. Many people who are affected by stress have turned to self-medication by turning to alcohol consumption and substance abuse so as to manage their issues. Depressants such as drugs and alcohol produce a calming effect on the body. An individual temporarily feels that he has escaped the problems. However; repeated use of the depressant can lead to addiction a fact that may have more damaging effects on the health of the user.
References
Carlson, C. (2013). Stress and substance abuse in homeless and matched housed adolescents: A longitudinal model.
Craig, H. A. (2013). Assessing Anxiety and Reward-Related Behaviors Following Alcohol Administration or Chronic Stress. J Alcoholism Drug Depend, 01(07). doi:10.4172/2329-6488.1000136
Weitz, R. (2012). The sociology of health, illness and health care: A critical approach,6th Edition.Arizona:Arizona State University.
