User talk:Mule Steve

 Alcoholism

Introduction

It is a disputed fact that addiction of any kind is undesirable. It is a problem because it is a form of slavery. Addiction to drugs like alcohol, among many others, is a displeasing phenomenon because it means that the individual relinquishes his/her freedom to the control of the drug (Oloo 2003). Drugs tend to dominate the entire life of a person; physical, psychological, social and spiritual. The effect and consequences of drug addiction especially alcohol is devastating and massive. In line with this background, we hereby discuss in detail the phenomena of alcoholism and its effects on the family. This paper starts by defining the key terms; Alcohol, Alcoholism, Alcoholics, followed by the causes and a way out, on how to overcome alcoholism before concluding with some challenging remarks. Ideas and insights integrated in this paper are derived from books as well as reflection on personal observations. Definition of key terms Alcoholism Alcoholism or alcohol dependence is a disease that involves compulsive desire to consume alcohol, loss of control and inability to quit, tolerance, physical dependence. It is a complex progressive disease in which the use of alcohol interferes with health, social and economic functioning, a bioethical, genetic disease (Apthorp 1990, 66). Additionally, alcoholism is a progressive and incurable illness characterized by pre-occupation with alcohol and loss of control over its consumption and use (Oloo 2003, 10)

Alcohol Alcohol is a colorless liquid that is found in various concentrations in drinks like beer, wine and spirits. It is produced by fermentation and it has the power to intoxicate when it enters into the blood streams (Oloo 2003, 9). Likewise, it is a ubiquitous part of everyday life, especially in rural communities where its production and distribution are closely interlined with consumption. Conversely alcohol has been a valued substance for centuries. It has served a medium for communication and has had a central focus point in Africa Religious belief (Bryceson 2002, 1) The imputed value of alcohol varies from country to country, culture to culture, family to family, individual to individual. Notably, we are not limiting the production and distribution of alcohol only to rural areas but, the fact is both rural and urban are like. Alcoholics This term is used to refer to those persons/individuals who consume alcohol in large amount to an extent of becoming addicted. With this in mind, the question emerges, what causes an individual to consume alcohol? Causes of Alcoholism Several authors have enumerated various causes and reasons of alcohol consumption. For instance, Oloo points out that alcoholism is hereditary, it is inherited. Meaning, if one is born in an alcoholic family, no doubts that he/she becomes an alcoholic. This reality carries on from generation to generation. Giving birth to a sick family, hence sick society. It remains a vicious cycle if no action is taken (person observation) Another cause of alcoholism is influence from peers, friends, and relatives. Nevertheless, the environment in which one is brought up in can propagate alcohol consumption. For example, the bread winner of the family (father) works in a brewery company and always goes home with create of beer. This is a strong temptation to the family members to consume it. (Personal reflection on instances witnessed). Some other people cling to the notion that drinking alcohol brings relaxation, relief one from stress. Majority of those who drink is due to curiosity and frustrations in life. Slowly by slowly, as the definition states, these people become alcoholics and eventually they become addicted to alcohol. Once one becomes an addict, it is hard to do without the substance, thus a disease. The effects and consequences of alcoholism cause great damage and deteriorate the user, as highlighted by Oloo in extract below. My name is Alcohol I am the greatest criminal in history I have killed more men than fallen in all the wars of the world I have turned men and women into brutes. I have transformed many promising Youths into hopeless parasites. I destroy the weak and weaken the strong. I make the wise men fools and trample fools to disaster The abandoned wives know me well too! I have carried millions and shall continue to ruin millions more. I am strong, ACOHOL, be aware (2003, 12). Surely, the effect of drug addiction, especially the under discussion is devastating and massive. With this highlight, we now embank on the effect of alcoholism on family. Effects of alcoholism on family. We note that the effect of alcoholism are total; affects the body, mind and spirit. Thus, there are physical, psychological, spiritual and social effects. In this discourse, our interest is one effect in general on family life. Alcohol consumption in a family set up leads to: •	Broken relationships among the family members .	Poor/improper upbringing of children, amounting to parental irresponsibility. •	Divorce and separation •	Misuse of funds, hence inadequate/poor provision of the basic needs; food, shelter, clothing and education. •	Moral degradation due to disrespect, since one has no self-control once under the influence of alcohol especially the addicts. •	Alcoholic parents deny their children “parental warmth”- Clearly defined limits and respectful treatment. •	Death of members of the family which may lead to orphans, widows and traumatic experiences. This was clearly brought out to light by the media press, in the Daily Nation 10th April 2010 concerning a mother who was mourning the death of her son after taking Chang`aa. In the same line some people lost their sight and were seeking help from hospitals. What a shameful experience! •	Alcohol causes diseases such as cancer of the liver, blood pressure among many others. With these immense effects of alcoholism in the family, shall we stare at our families as the deterioration and loss of values and members escalates? Can the situation be rectified? Let’s observe the following ways. How to overcome alcoholism We have seen that alcoholism is a progressive disease; hence its recovery is progressive. The fact is, one can not overcome the problem on ones own, through ones own effort; rather it requires support from specialists, counselors and family members as well. In order to start this process I urge individuals in various sick families to honestly admit that; ones drinking are beyond normal, one can not control it; accept the fact that he/she is an alcoholic. It is only through humble acceptance one can be helped to overcome and heal from the disease. Conclusion This paper has presented concrete definitions on alcoholism, alcohol, and alcoholics. We have also discussed the cause of alcoholism, as well as its effects on family. Possible ways about how to overcome it are also highlighted. Finally alcohol addicts should underscore the fact that alcohol is not food. Does not protect you from cold. Does not cure anything. Does not improve our relationships (Ganez and Escandon 2006, 117)

Reference: Apthorp P.S, (1990) Alcohol and Substance Abuse: A handbook for clergy and congregations, 2nd edition, herreburg; billton, morehouse publishing. Bryceson F.D, (2002) Alcohol in Africa; mixing business, pleasure and politics. Heinemann: Portsmouth NH. Ganez G, Escandon R (2006) Free from Addictions: in the face of drugs, Aids and other enemies of the society, 2nd Editioin, pradillo: editorial safeliz. Oloo. O, N. (2003) About drinking, Nairobi: Pauline’s Publications.