Alcoholism

Alcoholism is the habit of taking beer, wine, whiskey, rum etc. It is traditionally practised social culture in some communities of Nepal. People take alcohol in the name of religion, feasts, festivals, parties and many other gatherings. It contains harmful chemical called ‘ethanol’.

Causes of alcoholism

1. For amusement among friends in gathering
2. Attraction created by advertisement
3. For energy and stamina
4. As a culture
5. Peer pressure

Effects of alcoholism

Immediate effects

1. Activities of drunkards are beyond control and thinking
2. Loss of physical balance and possibility of accident
3. Lethargic body
4. Mumbled speaking, staggered walking
5. Unnecessary discussion with family members and friends on trivial matters
6. Involvement in sexual crime
7. Over drinking may lead to death
8. Road traffic accident (RTA)

Long-term effects

1. Gastritis due to the infection in intestine
2. Bleeding in stomach due to ulcer
3. No social prestige
4. Cancer in various parts
5. Over alcoholism leads to malnutrition
6. It may make people bankrupt.
7. High BP, heart attacks and strokes
8. Quarrelsome and broken family
9. Mental state becomes weak.
10. Decrease in fertility power of both man and woman.

Preventive measures

1. Awareness campaigns about the ill effects and bad consequences of alcoholism should be launched.
2. Avoid those friends who consume alcohol.
3. Advertisement of alcoholic products in media should be discouraged, if possible banned.
4. People should be warned that alcoholism is a disease.
5. The distribution pattern of alcoholic beverage should be controlled.
6. Say ‘No’ to alcoholic consumption.
7. Establishment of alcohol rehabilitation centre