03/07/2023
What is alcohol addiction?
Alcohol addiction is a chronic relapsing disorder associated with compulsive alcohol drinking, the loss of control over intake, and the emergence of a negative emotional state when alcohol is no longer available. Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a condition characterized by an impaired ability to stop or control alcohol use despite adverse social, occupational, or health consequences. It is a spectrum disorder and can be mild, moderate, or severe and encompasses the conditions that some people refer to as alcohol abuse, alcohol dependence, or the colloquial term, alcoholism. Alcohol addiction refers to the moderate to severe end of the AUD spectrum (The Cycle of Alcohol Addiction | National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), n.d.).
Alcohol addiction is fundamentally the outcome of modifications to the brain's reward system. A strong drive to seek out and consume alcohol results from prolonged and excessive alcohol usage because it changes the brain's chemistry. Alcohol becomes necessary for the brain to function normally over time, which results in the compulsive drinking that characterizes addiction. Alcohol addiction can be influenced by a variety of factors, including genetic, environmental, and psychological ones.
Alcohol addiction can have severe consequences for an individual's physical and mental health. Excessive alcohol consumption can lead to liver damage, cardiovascular problems, increased risk of certain cancers, and weakened immune system function. It can also contribute to mental health disorders, such as depression, anxiety, and cognitive impairment. Additionally, alcohol addiction can strain relationships, impact work or academic performance, and lead to financial difficulties.
More than half of Filipinos aged 20 to 59 drink alcoholic drinks excessively, according to the Food Nutrition and Research Institute’s health survey. It also said 15% of Filipinos aged 10 to 19 use alcohol, and 37% of them are underage drinkers.Alcohol use kills 2.5 million people yearly, including 320,000 peopled aged 15 to 29, Mr. Duterte said, citing data from the World Health Organization. “It is the third leading risk factor for poor health globally, and responsible for almost 4% of all deaths in the world, according to 2004 estimates.”(Neil, 2022b).
Data from the WHO indicates that almost 9% of the Philippines population who are 15 years of age and older (estimated at 86 million) have an alcohol use disorder (World Health Organization, 2011). In addition, 25% of males and 8.3% of females (15-85+ years) are heavy episodic drinkers (World Health Organization, 2011).
Fortunately, alcohol addiction is treatable, and recovery is possible. Treatment approaches may involve a combination of interventions, including medical detoxification, counseling, therapy, support groups, and medication-assisted treatment. The path to recovery often involves addressing underlying psychological and social factors, developing healthy coping mechanisms, and building a strong support system. Seeking professional help and support is crucial in overcoming alcohol addiction and reclaiming a fulfilling and healthy life.