Alcoholism and alcohol abuse
Most of us know that there is a special month dedicated for beer drinking in the Philippines, but, is anyone aware that there is actually an Alcohol Awareness Month?
Yes, April was officially designated as Alcohol Awareness Month since 1987 to increase public awareness and understanding, reduce stigma, and encourage local communities to focus on alcoholism and alcoholrelated issues. This year’s worldwide theme, “For the Health of It: Early Education on Alcoholism and Addiction,” gives emphasis on the treatment and prevention of alcoholism among the young.
Filipinos are the second highest consumers of alcohol in South East Asia after Indonesia, and number one in terms of wine drinking. The legal drinking age in the Philippines is 18, but it is estimated that 60% of young people will have been into or at least have tried alcohol before then. A 2001 survey of the World Health Organization of those aged between 15 and 74 years found that the rate of regular drinking was 11.1% of the population, with 13% males and 5.9% females. Regular drinking is defined as drinking four days or more per week.
There is no doubt that the Filipino’s infatuation with alcohol has increased stratospherically since then, with the production of beer and other liquors as one of the most profitable industries in the Philippines today. Alcohol has successfully assumed a largely positive image for the public, with many in media glamorizing it. In America, alcohol is the number one “drug of choice” of the youth, and is more likely to kill more young people than all illegal drugs combined.
While it is an acknowledged serious public concern, a relatively small number of affected people seek medical help for alcohol problems. This is the sad untold truth and the most worrisome part is that most chronic alcoholics do not seek help even if their health has deteriorated.
Alcohol drinking even for a short period of time can lead not only to intoxication but also to more serious alcohol poisoning and alcoholic liver disease, which can be potentially life threatening. Aside from physical health, alcohol is attributed to cases of substance dependence, depression, suicide, acts of physical and verbal abuse, domestic abuse, decreased productivity, fatal accidents, failed relationships and marriages, among others.
Studies have also shown that those who drink at a young age are far more likely to develop alcoholism later in life. They are at risk of particular problems related to mental and physical health as alcohol interferes with body function. They are more likely to commit crimes, perform poorly in school, experiment with harder drugs, prone to promiscuous sexual behavior, result in unplanned pregnancy, and even be infected with sexually transmitted diseases. A significant number are also likely to make it a stepping stone to lifelong drug abuse.
Yet, how do we know we have the problem. It is not always easy to see when your drinking has crossed the line from moderate or social use to problem drinking. One clue that you are in potentially dangerous territory is the consumption of alcohol to cope with difficulties or avoid feeling bad. We must always be aware that alcoholism and alcohol abuse can easily sneak up on us. We must know the warning signs and once we recognize them, take steps to cut it back.
Many interconnected factors bring about alcoholism and alcohol abuse, including genetics, individual upbringing, social environment, and emotional health. People who have a family history of alcoholism or who associate closely with heavy drinkers are more likely to develop drinking problems. Those who suffer from mental health problems such as anxiety, depression or bipolar disorder are also particularly at risk, because alcohol may be used to self-medicate.
Although it is a risk factor, not all alcohol abusers become full-blown alcoholics. There are also instances when alcoholism suddenly develops in response to stressful episodes in our lives like a breakup, retirement or death of a loved one.
Alcohol use problems gradually creep up on us as we increase our tolerance for alcohol’s effects. Do we have to drink a lot more than we used to in order to get buzzed or feel relaxed? Can we drink more than other people without getting drunk? These are signs of tolerance which can be early warning signs of alcoholism. Tolerance means that over time, we need more and more alcohol to feel the same effects.
The recommended level for safe alcohol consumption is: 2 drinks per day for adult men, 1 drink per day for adult women, and 1 drink per day for anyone aged over 65. Those people who are younger than 18 and anyone who has a problem controlling their intake should avoid drinking completely. Anyone who drinks significantly above these limits can be described as abusing alcohol.
We know that the alcohol problem comes if we feel guilty or ashamed about it, lie or hide it, have friends or family members who are worried about it, need it to relax or feel better, “Z out” or forget what we did while we are doing it or do it more often than intended.
We have crossed over to having alcohol use problem when we repeatedly neglect our responsibilities at home, work or school because of our drinking, whenever we use alcohol in situations where it’s physically dangerous such as during driving or operating machinery or mixing alcohol with prescription medication against doctor’s orders.
We may also be labeled an alcoholic when we experience repeated legal problems on account of our drinking (i.e. drunk driving or disorderly conduct), continue to drink even though your alcohol consumption causes problems in your relationships or regard drinking as a way to relax or de-stress.
Alcoholism is the most severe form of “problem drinking.” If you rely on alcohol to function or feel physically compelled to drink, you’re an alcoholic. Being an alcoholic also means you have lost control over your drinking, want to quit drinking but can’t, have given up other activities because of alcohol, alcohol takes up a great deal of your energy and focus, and you drink even though it causes problems.
When we are alcoholics, the withdrawal symptoms can be very difficult and painful for us. Taking alcohol away from our body may cause anxiety or jumpiness, shakiness or trembling, sweating, nausea and vomiting, insomnia, depression, irritability, fatigue, loss of appetite, and headache. In severe cases, withdrawal from alcohol can also involve hallucinations, confusion, seizures, fever, and agitation. These symptoms can be dangerous, so consult your doctor for a more effective quitting strategy.
The St. Luke’s Medical Center - Quezon City Mood Disorders Clinic provides a comprehensive treatment approach to patients with behavioral and mood disorders. It is staffed by well-trained and highly experienced psychiatrists, psychologists, and a multi-disciplinary team of medical specialists who offer pediatric and adult diagnostic and evaluation of drug and alcohol related problems, depression, anxiety, trauma, dementia, and management of a wide range of psychiatric and behavioral manifestation of medical, neurological and surgical conditions. For more information, please contact the St. Luke’s Medical Center - Quezon City Mood Disorders Clinic at 7230101/0301 ext. 4303.