Alcohol, Causes Of Alcohol Intake, Effects Of Alcoholism, Prevention And Control Of Alcoholism

 Alcohol is a chemical compound which is formed by the decomposition of organic matters. Its main constituents is 'ethanol', which generates abnormal brain waves and a feeling of different sensation. If alcohol intake is excessive, the person may die due to poisoning or intoxication. If alcohol intake becomes frequent for certain time, a habituation develops, which develops a desire to take it again and again. Such condition is known as alcoholism. Alcoholism has been a common problem of world, persisting equally in rural, urban, underdeveloped, developed areas. There are various types of alcohol in markets.

Causes of alcohol intake 

Alcohol is a familiar drink in most of the parts of the world from ancient period of time. In some ethnic groups , alcohol has an indispensable role to their cultural and religious practices. Even in the holy book of Hindus Rigbeda, alcohol (somaras ) has been described as an energetic drink extracted from specific climber plant called ' somlata'. Some of the causes of alcohol in take are :

1. Alcohol is used for entertainment and recreational purpose in feasts and festivals.
2. Alcohol has some religious and cultural support.
3. It is commonly used to be relieved from tiredness and muscle ache by those persons who involv ein hard physical labor.
4. Some think that it makes the digestion easy.
5. People take alcohol by pressure and request from friends and relatives.
6. Some are attracted by advertisement.
7. Due to a worldwide tradition of respect the  guests with alcohol.
8. Due to a wrong belief that alcohol reduces tension and mental sress.

Effects of alcoholism

Immediate or short term effects

1. Alcohol acts as a stimulant. It increases uncontrolled physical and verbal activities.
2. Alcohol acts as depressant to some people. In such effect, the physical and verbal activities decreases down.
3. The person vomits if the intake is excessive.
4. Body becomes imbalanced and passive. In case of excessive intake, unconsciousness may occur.
5. Causes impaired, blurred, or double vision due to imbalanced movement of eye muscle.
6. Loss of short term memory.

Long term effects: 

Physical effects

1. Alcoholism decreases the performance of body systems.
2. Liver is affected severely, leading to live damage or cirrhosis.
3. It causes infertility.
4. Digestive system is affected adversely.
5. Symptoms of ageing start earlier.

Mental Effects

1. Thinking capacity and creativity decreases.

2. Loss of memory.

Social Effects

1. The drunkard losessocial prestige.

2. Social relationship are disturbed.

Prevention and control of alcoholism

Alcoholism has been a problem all over the nation. In urban areas, therecis a trend of alcohol intake among all groups of people from children to elderly people. It is widely available in our markets and everybody can purchase various brands of alcohol easily.

Following measures can be adopted for prevention and control of alcoholism.

1. Awareness program should be conducted.
2. Proper knowledge and information about alcohol and alcoholism should be included in formal and non formal education programs.
3. The cultural and religious norms promoting alcoholismshould be discouraged.
4. Alcohol should be banned in public areas.
5. Strict laws and rules should be made to manage the production and distribution of alcohol substances.
6. To initiate an organizesd effort for rehabilitation of drunkards. To remain far from drunkard friend circle.
7. Utilization of free time in recreational and creative activities.