Alcoholism, also known as alcohol use disorder (AUD) and alcohol dependence syndrome, is a debilitating chronic disease that affects many adults and young people in Anguilla. This topic is seldom discussed in Anguilla despite the cost and consequences. Addiction to alcohol places a heavy burden on the island’s economy, the health system, justice system, marital and family life. The good news is that alcoholism is a disease that can be treated.
What is alcoholism?
Alcoholism is a chronic and often progressive disease that includes problems controlling drinking, being preoccupied with alcohol, continuing to use alcohol even when it causes problems, having to drink more to get the same effect (physical dependence), or having withdrawal symptoms when you rapidly decrease or stop drinking.
Alcoholism can affect all aspects of a person’s life. Long-term use of alcohol can cause serious health complications affecting virtually every organ in the body, including the brain. It can also damage emotional stability, finances, career, and impact family, friends and the entire community in which an alcoholic lives.
Who suffers from alcoholism?
Alcohol is one of the most commonly used addictive substances in Anguilla affecting people of all socio-economic groups, young and old, males and, increasingly now, many females as well. There is growing evidence that increasing numbers of young people in Anguilla are alcoholics. The World Health Organization (WHO) says there are at least 140 million alcoholics in the world. Unfortunately, the majority of them are not treated.
Is alcoholism inherited?
Throughout history, alcoholism has commonly been perceived as a sign of personal weakness and the inability to control indulgences, but recent research suggests that the problem may have biological roots. Research into “alcohol genes” revealed that individuals with alcohol use disorders often share a number of genetic mutations that set them apart from the general population. For example, a 2014 study found that a specific mutation of the GRM3 gene, found in one of every 200 people, was specifically linked to alcoholism. Another study found that a mutation of another gene, Nf1, was strongly tied to alcohol dependency in adults. Despite these interesting finds, genetics alone do not predict whether or not an individual will grow up to have a dependency on alcohol. Research shows that the risk for developing alcoholism runs in some families. Having a genetic predisposition does not mean that the child of an alcoholic parent will automatically become an alcoholic. Not all children of alcoholic families get into trouble with alcohol. Some people develop alcoholism even though no one in their family has a drinking problem. Alcoholism seems to be the result of a complex combination of both genetics and environmental influences.
Symptoms of alcoholism
The symptoms and signs of alcoholism might vary from one individual to another, and in some cases the symptoms might be ignored for a considerable amount of time before a relative or friend points out these symptoms to the individual. One of the key findings in persons suffering from this chronic disease is an obsession with alcohol – and those persons cannot control how much they consume even if it is causing serious problems at home, work, and financially. Alcoholism signs and symptoms include the following:
• Unable to limit the amount of alcohol you drink
• Feel a strong need or compulsion to drink
• Blacking out – not being able to remember chunks of time
• Experience physical withdrawal symptoms — such as nausea, sweating and shaking — when you do not drink
• Develop tolerance to alcohol so that you need more to feel its effects
• Drink alone or hide your drinking
• Be irritable when your usual drinking time nears, especially if alcohol is not available
• Have legal problems or problems with relationships, employment or finances due to drinking
• Lose interest in activities and hobbies that used to bring you pleasure
If you have one or more of the above you might be suffering from alcoholism and need professional help.
Many individuals use alcohol at various times of the year. In Anguilla during our upcoming August festivities, many individuals consume large amounts of liquor. You might be wondering if that will make you an alcoholic. If you have ever wondered whether your drinking is excessive, ask yourself these questions:
• If you are a man, do you ever have five or more drinks in a day?
• If you are a woman, do you ever have four or more drinks in a day?
• Do you ever need a drink to get you started in the morning?
• Do you feel guilty about your drinking?
• Do you think you need to cut back on how much you drink?
• Are you annoyed when other people comment on, or criticize, your drinking habits?
If you answered yes to even one of these questions, you may have a problem with alcohol and should seek professional help.
What is considered one drink?
One standard drink is:
• 12 ounces (355 milliliters) of regular beer (about 5 percent alcohol)
• 8 to 9 ounces (237 to 266 milliliters) of malt liquor (about 7 percent alcohol)
• 5 ounces (148 milliliters) of wine (about 12 percent alcohol)
• 1.5 ounces (44 milliliters) of 80-proof hard liquor (about 40 percent alcohol)
Treatment
The first step for the alcoholic is to acknowledge that there is an alcohol dependency problem. The next step is to get help. In Anguilla, like many other countries, there are several support groups and professional services available for treating individuals with alcoholism. Unfortunately, many individuals fail to get treatment.
Alcoholics Anonymous (AA)
Alcoholics Anonymous is an international fellowship of men and women who have had a drinking problem. It is nonprofessional, self-supporting, multiracial, apolitical, and available almost everywhere. There are no age or education requirements. Membership is open to anyone who wants to stop drinking and solve his/her drinking problem.
Alcoholism and your health
Excessive use of alcohol can have devastating effects on your health. Gastrointestinal complications are common and gastritis and pancreas damage can occur. Regular heavy drinking invariably raises the person’s blood pressure. Regular heaving drinking can lead to cardiomyopathy (damaged heart muscle), heart failure, and stroke.
Alcoholics have a very high risk of developing diabetes type 2. Patients who have diabetes will invariably have serious complications if they are regular heavy drinkers of alcohol.
Erectile dysfunction. Alcoholic men are much more likely to have problems getting an erection, or sustaining one.
Fetal alcohol syndrome. Women who abuse alcohol during their pregnancy are much more likely to have babies with birth defects, including a small head, heart problems, shortened eyelids, as well as developmental and cognitive problems. Cancer. Alcoholics have a much higher risk of developing several cancers including cancer of the mouth, esophagus, liver, colon, rectum, breast, prostate and pharynx.
Other serious consequences of alcoholism
It is difficult to describe all the serious effects of alcoholism, but many common ones are well known.
Individuals who are alcoholics are vulnerable to injuries from falls, car crashes, or being run over. Many traffic deaths are alcohol-related.
Domestic abuse.Alcohol is a major factor in spouse beating, child abuse, and conflicts with neighbours.
Mental illness. Alcohol abuse can cause mental illness and make existing mental illnesses worse.
Problems with the law. The percentage of alcoholics who end up in court or in prison, is significantly higher compared to the rest of the population.
Conclusion
Alcoholism is a major public health problem here in Anguilla. Unfortunately, many of us continue to ignore this chronic disease. Many individuals with this disease fail to seek treatment, while others continue to deny that they have a problem despite having all the signs and symptoms of this condition. If you have a relative or friend with signs and symptoms of alcoholism encourage his/her to seek professional help.
Ask Your Doctor is a health education column and is not a substitute for medical advice from your physician. The reader should consult his or her physician for specific information concerning specific medical conditions. While all reasonable efforts have been made to ensure that all information presented is accurate, as research and development in the medical field are ongoing, it is possible that new findings may supersede some data presented.
Dr Brett Hodge MB, BS, DGO, MRCOG, is an Obstetrician/Gynaecologist and Family Doctor who has over thirty two years in clinical practice. Dr Hodge has a medical practice in The Johnson Building in The Valley (Tel: 264 4975828).
