Alcohol Abuse Drinking is becoming popular at parties and social and cultural gatherings. Even after knowing the negative consequences of alcohol, people don’t bother. The devastating impact of alcohol abuse is not just confined to personal breakdowns. It is a much broader and widespread issue. It affects one’s body, mind, and every other aspect. People not only become physically sick to the point of vomiting and losing consciousness but also develop emotional problems such as depression and anxiety. Alcohol Abuse: Unraveling the Causes and Effects Defining Alcohol Abuse Alcohol abuse, or alcohol use disorder, is the condition in which you deviate from the normal or, we can say, acceptable use of alcohol, leading to serious health issues. Alcohol, when taken in regular quantities, becomes the controlling factor, leading to the loss of control over the alcohol consumption of the person. The challenges of alcoholism among young people may be deeply detrimental to their health and overall wellness. The Lure of Alcohol: Roots and Influences The roots of alcohol addiction lie in chemical, social, genetic, and environmental influences. In some people, genetics play a role in increasing their vulnerability to alcohol. Some people are more bound to develop alcohol dependence compared to others. Not only that, social norms and an impartial attitude to alcohol have created an environment where alcohol consumption is considered normal. Environmental components such as stress, peer pressure, or problematic family situations can increase a person’s tendency to develop a drinking problem. Physical Health Implications Alcohol dependence leads to the development of cardiovascular diseases such as high blood pressure, irregular heartbeat, and liver problems, including cirrhosis, alcoholic hepatitis, and fatty liver disease. Not only this, excessive consumption of alcohol also causes neurological problems like lost memory and poor brain functioning. On the other hand, the excessive intake of alcohol can make the body less accustomed to a disease, thus suspending the immune response to it. Mental Health Impacts Alcohol abuse not only results in physical health problems. It also has a detrimental effect on mental health, which is equally severe and can be much more harmful. It imbalances the chemicals in the brain and increases the risk of becoming depressed and developing anxiety or mood disorders. Schizophrenia, too, may become part of this highrisk group of symptoms in severe cases. Social Repercussions: A Chain of Events Alcohol abuse disorder impacts the overall society. Excessive drinking leads to poor judgment, increasing the likelihood of accidents and injury. This puts pressure on resources such as police, ambulances, and hospitals, which can be used in other places. The healthcare system is then overwhelmed with treating alcohol-related problems. Families, too, bear the weight. Abusive conduct, strained relationships, and unreliable income from an alcoholic all take their toll. This, in turn, damages the foundation of society. Even workplaces are not immune. Businesses pay a high price for absenteeism, lost productivity, and alcohol-related accidents. It’s a difficult problem, but acknowledging its broad implications is the first step in addressing it. The Spectrum of Alcohol Addiction Alcoholism comes in variable aspects, and it is a challenging obstacle to overcome. The alcohol drinking scale differs considerably as some people consume small amounts while others may consume in devastating quantities, which leads them to become alcoholics. People who indulge in binge drinking may be likely to have high alcohol levels in their blood. As the binge drinking continues, a person becomes alcohol dependent. In other words, a person develops Alcohol Abuse Disorder (AUD), which is marked by compulsive drinking behavior, physical dependence, and inability to drink in moderation. Alcohol Abuse in India The misuse of alcohol has become a significant public health problem, destroying the lives of millions. Alcohol consumption in India is a part of ancient culture and dates back centuries. However, in recent decades, substance consumption, specifically alcohol consumption, has become a severe problem. It destroys the physical and mental health and personal relationships of a person. India stands third in alcoholic drinks on the global market scale. Three significant factors behind this are the increase in alcohol production, demand for alcoholic drinks, and sales. According to research, approximately 88% of the young population of India (under the age of 25) consumes alcohol. According to a statistical report, in 2024, India’s alcohol consumption is expected to reach 6.21 billion liters, up from approximately five billion liters in 2020. There are several reasons behind the increasing number of substance abusers, especially alcohol drinkers. It includes increasing disposable incomes amongst youth and the masses moving to big cities. Government’s Initiatives to Tackle Alcohol Addiction According to the national action plan, the government has chosen to strategically create an environment for people to reduce the high level of alcohol dependence in the country by 10% by the year 2025. Thus, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare also formed a Technical Advisory Group (TAG). The advisory board will try to understand the problem of alcohol drinking and the gradually increasing mortality rates of Indians due to it. HRIDAY (Health Related Information Dissemination Amongst Youth), as its name suggests, aims to tackle the issue of alcohol addiction among youth. This initiative include the inititation of a social media page, YUVAA, “Youth United Voluntarily Against Alcohol” which aimed to involve youth globally. There are over 15 000 members within YUVAA who share their experiences and views on addiction. The network aims to provide a platform for youth to share their problems and get alcohol counseling in one place. Also, the Ministry for Social Justice and Empowerment has incorporated a national action plan for drug demand reduction from 2018 to 2025. This plan focuses on providing preventive education, generating awareness, and ensuring easy access to addiction treatment. Prevention and Intervention Strategies: Unraveling the Web Addressing and preventing alcohol abuse disorder is a multifaceted measure that should include awareness and education, policy developments, and available treatment services like public health campaigns, legal steps like restraining alcohol ads, taxing alcoholic beverages, timely support and alcohol counseling. The Journey of Breaking Free Alcohol abuse, with its far-reaching consequences, is a serious problem that necessitates collective action. As communities struggle with the consequences of binge drinking, it is critical to raise awareness, destroy the stigma associated with addiction, and establish settings that encourage moderation in alcohol use. Individual empowerment through education, early intervention, and compassionate treatment pathways are some solutions to control the impact of alcoholism on lives, families, and communities. This journey is not just about breaking free from the clutches of alcohol but also about rebuilding lives and fostering a culture of resilience and well-being.
