Alcoholism- Effects and Treatment

Types of alcohols

Alcohols include,

a. Beverages: They contain 5-15% alcohol. E,g, Wine, beer and toddy.

b. Spirits: They contain more than 50% alcohol. E.g. Whisky, brandy, rum, gin, arrack etc .

The victims of alcoholism are known as alcoholics.

Effects of alcoholism

• Affects thinking ability, speech, movements, reflexes etc.
• Amnesia, blurred vision, loss of body balance, nausea, vomiting, headache etc.
• Cirrhosis and fatty liver.
• Alcoholic polyneuritis and loss of appetite
• Cardiovascular diseases and hypertension.
• Ulcer, pancreatitis and gastritis.
• Loss of sexual drive and necrospermia.
• Foetal alcohol syndrome (FAS or Alcohol Embryopathy).
• Family and social problems.

Effects of alcoholism on traffic accidents

• Affects co-ordination and correct judgment of distance
• Affects vision. Often causes Tunnel vision
• Increases reaction time
• Affects behaviour

Dealcoholism

• Medical treatment
• Social methods of treatment (Group therapy)
• Aversion therapy (Behavioural treatment)