THE EFFECTS OF ALCOHOL CONSUMPTION IN THE HUMAN BODY AND THE TREATMENT TO ALCOHOL ADDICTION

A Library Research Report Submitted to the University of Santo Tomas

In Partial Fulfilment of the Requirements for the Course English 3 (Academic Writing)

Gutierrez, Jonathan M. 2MUS1-ME; WF, 5:00 6:30

October 2012

ACKNOWELDGMENTS The author would like to acknowledge the following people who supported by giving motivation, accompaniment of library travels and helped in the production of this library research report: Mr. Wilfredo Valois, Languages Department, UST Conservatory of Music, who gave the author the opportunity to write about the topic of THE EFFECTS OF ALCOHOL CONSUMPTION IN THE HUMAN BODY AND THE TREATMENT TO ALCOHOL ADDICTION. The author would like to give thanks with the guidance on the correct techniques in writing academically; The Social Sciences and Health Sciences librarians for helping the author to find the sources; Jo-Ann Bernadette Manuel who accompanied the author finding his resources; and To the authors of the resources because of their contributions in this field of study

TABLE OF CONTENTS Title Page 1 Acknowledgments 2 Table of Contents 3 Introduction 4 Presentation of Data 5 Conclusion 11 Bibliography 12

INTRODUCTION According to Perez (1992) addiction occurs when an individuals body physically craves for a substance. In a sense, addiction becomes one form of necessity, such as food, when the body physically craves for it, either because of hunger or of no apparent reasons; it is one form of addiction. In a modern context, however, some drugs, specifically abused drugs like amphetamines, cocaine, etc. are the only things that can be marked as an addiction. It is as simple as correlating guilty pleasures with drugs that define the word. Alongside drugs is a liquefied substance as early as the Middle Ages in search for this pleasure: Alcohol. There are two possible etymologies of the word alcohol both of Arabic origin. The first is al kohl which was a fine powder of antimony used for staining the eyelids. The other one is al gohl meaning evil spirit or ghost. Alcohol, in the Bible, is often referred to as wine and if the Bible was taken into account as a historical textbook, the first to have made wine is Noah. According to the Bible, wines make the heart of man glad and are to be given to those who are perishing. Drinking wine means being merry. However, if being merry means not being responsible, over-drinking of it can produce dire consequences. There are cases of youth also indulging in the pleasure of alcohol. According to Ryan (1989), the media, by using movies, and television commercials and advertisements, make drinking alcohol look as though it was a normal part of an adult life, seen as sophisticated by the young people. A surprising number in 2008 included 75% of children 14-15 years old already drink alcohol (Velleman, 2011) which is surprisingly high. Statement of the Problem This research report will provide some necessary information on alcohols, the effects of alcohol, its medical use, and the factors on using alcohol. The author will discuss how alcohol escalates to alcoholism and the necessary treatment to the cessation of this addiction. Definition of Terms Alcohol a liquid substance; a potentially dangerous recreational drug widely accepted culturally and socially. Drinking the process of consuming alcoholic beverages Fermentation the process involved in the production of methyl alcohol Moderate Drinking alcoholic consumption properly controlled by judgment and self-discipline/control Social Drinking alcoholic consumption with peers or people of a common interest Tolerance a rate of increase in alcohol consumption

PRESENTATION OF DATA I What is Alcohol? Alcohol is a potentially dangerous recreational drug whose use is widely accepted social and culturally, and is even incorporated in religious practices (Zilney, 2011). Some branches of Christianity, in the administration of the Lords Supper (1 Corinthians 11:25), Jesus taught his disciples on the passing of wine. This substance is hanging on the irony of control-absence and government regulation. Only few restrictions exist with its sale and its use. Streetwise, alcohol is known as booze, brews, hard stuff, hooch, juice, sauce (Zilney, 2011), suds, and white lightning (Wallace, 1974). Alcohol use, according to Zilney (2011), dates back thousands of years. Researchers believe that the production of wine was accidental in the Stone Age and that the first beers originated from Egypt, around 5 000 or 6 000 B.C.E. More recent discoveries include the Chinese for their distilled alcohol, and distilled spirits on Western Europe. Many European societies call it the water of life. There are three types of alcohol: Isopropyl (rubbing alcohol); Methyl (wood alcohol); and Ethanol, which is an ingredient of wines, beers and distilled beverages or liquors (Zilney, 2011; Wallace 1974). It is produced by a process called fermentation, wherein yeast spores combust onto sugar, and in turn, turns it into alcohol. Methyl is a colourless, inflammable liquid (Wallace, 1974) which is in contrast with the other two types of alcohol. In a social context, alcohol permeated everything, accompanying birth, marriage, death, crowning of kings, etc. Alcohol use is pervasive among the majority of population (Wallace 1974). Social drinking relates to the context in which someone drinks with friends and not to whether or not it leads to problems (Velleman, 2011). According to Wallace (1974), it is classified as food because it contains calories, despite the absence of nutritional value. It is also classified as a drug because it directly affects the CNS (Central Nervous System). Alcohol came into use as a medicinal drug, whereas it was used as an antiseptic and an anaesthetic, and was also used in combinations to form salves and tonics. Liquor, an alcoholic beverage, was recognized as a mood changer, natures tranquilizer, in a way. Alcohol, according to Zilney (2011), when consumed in significant substances, results in ineffective neural impulses. Perez (1992) explained that when alcohol is ingested into the body, a by-product derived from the metabolic process is the substance called acetaldehyde, which is produced by the liver with a certain limit that acts to expel alcohol from the body. This substance is being changed in the body into acetate, which is, in turn, converted into carbon dioxide and water, eliminated through sweat, urine, and simple breathing. * * *
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II Why do people drink alcohol? The greatest factors on alcohol use are the social factors. Velleman (2011) has discussed four factors: modelling from parents or following footsteps of significant adults; genetic vulnerability; unstable home environment which includes parental conflict, absences or loss through separation or death; and national and cultural traditions. III Alcohol Use and Misuse: Benefits and Consequences of Alcohol Consumption According to Zilney (2011), long term moderate drinkers are actually a lot healthier than those who abstain from alcohol entirely (such are of cultural-religious factors, for instance, Muslims and Mormons). It is thought that a moderate level of alcohol intake increases the bodys production of lipoproteins that remove cholesterol on artery walls, hence the prevention of atherosclerosis. Conversely, there are consequences to the use of alcohol, and it comes because of abuse. The percentage divides abuse of alcohol as 90% and medical use the remaining 10%. With that landslide difference, alcohol imbibed and overused has become a moral issue. Zilney (2011) puts alcohol as a double-edged sword, as many societal problems were associated with alcoholic beverages. Alcohol use, according to Velleman (2011) is seen as morally degenerate. Addiction to it invites more opportunities to unwanted physiological and psychological effects. In extreme cases, statistics show deaths that are attributable to alcohol consumption ranges from 40,000/year in England and Wales to 100,000/year in the United States. Everything in excess is not beneficial. Alcohol is a socially relevant consumable, even in Colonial America to the point of excessive consumption (Zilney, 2011). Excessive consumption can lead to the following effects: Psychological Effects: (Perez, 1992) 1. A constant need for approval; 2. Low ability to persevere; 3. Inability to trust; 4. Unreliability 5. Tendency to lie a lot and often for no reason; 6. Inability to get close to others; 7. Tendency to become involved in relationships which are based upon pity, not love 8. Terror of being evaluated; and 9. Frantic way of life. (Wallace, 1974) 10. Diversion of energy and money from more creative and productive pursuits;
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11. Habituation (addiction); 12. Relaxation (sedation); 13. Often, euphoria; 14. Impaired judgment; 15. Slower reaction time, coordination, and emotional control; 16. Frequent aggressive behavior; 17. Tendencies for suicide; (Zilney, 2011) 18. Short-term memory loss in terms of grayouts (partial loss of memory) or blackouts (complete memory loss) without loss of consciousness; 19. Higher rate of sexual arousal (increased libido); 20. Higher tolerance; 21. Hangovers; 22. Insomnia Physiological Effects (Ryan, 1989) 1. Mouth and throat a. Cancer if accompanied by smoking 2. Stomach a. Gastritis b. Production of more acidic enzymes c. Ulcers 3. Liver a. Alcoholic hepatitis b. Cirrhosis 4. Heart a. Increase in blood pressure 5. Blood a. Anaemia (Red Blood Cells) 6. Lesser fitness (Anon) 7. Pancreas a. Pancreatitis b. Diabetes due to a lesser insulin production of the pancreas 8. Blood a. Chemotaxis (White Blood Cells) b. Hypersplenism (Platelets) 9. Heart a. Hyperlipoproteinemia b. Dilation of blood vessels 10. Genito-urinary and Reproductive/Endocrinal a. Acute Urinary Retention b. Hormonal Imbalance (Wallace, 1974) 11. Nervous System
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a. Central Nervous System depression b. Drowsiness 12. Others a. Possible obesity b. Withdrawal illness c. Death d. Decreased pain sensitivity e. On pregnancy, it may affect the childs gestation f. Decreased arousal and impotence g. A change in the Circadian Rhythms (body clock) Overuse of alcohol also affects society. Here are some direct effects: (Wallace, 1974) 1. Lower motor coordination resulting in more car accidents 2. Irritability even on random people 3. Tendencies to a. Homicide and other assaultive offenses b. Sexual crimes 4. Lower lifespan 5. Considerable lost earning power 6. Social security payments and public assistance expenditure maintenance due to alcohol related crimes/actions 7. Family: a. Divorce b. Violence c. Poverty d. Displaced children IV Defining Alcoholism One effect that is not listed above is unanimous to all data the author has gathered and it is Alcoholism. Alcoholism is a disease in which the persons use of alcohol continues despite the problems it causes in any area of life. It is a disease; therefore, people with such need care and concern (Velleman, 2011). This special disease is further divided into stages by Perez (1992): Stage 1 a. Alcoholic tolerance increases; b. Regular drinking after work; c. Drinking faster or more than others. Stage 2
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a. b. c. d. e. f. Stage 3 a. b. c. d. Stage 4 a. b. c. d.

Occasional drinking; Sneaking of drinks; Guilt feelings on drinking develop [Short term] Memory blackouts Projection of blame on drinking to others Increasing guilt Addiction All attempts to the cessation of drinking fail Meals taken sporadically Blackouts increase Job loss Alcohol tolerance suddenly decreases Malnutrition Acute Medical Problems V Treatment of Alcohol Addiction and Alcoholism

Perez (1992) conversely made recovery stages in alcohol addiction. They are: Stage 1 a. b. c. d. e. Stage 2 a. b. c. Stage 3 a. b. Confession of the addiction Longing for the company of recovering addicts Regular meals Better sleep Better grooming Increase in self-confidence New interests develop Plan-making Self-esteem increases Begins to appreciate and like self

Ewing (1976) has devised medical and psychotherapeutic approaches on the treatment of alcoholism. Through motivation, Ewing explains, the cessation of addiction is to be conceived as a conversion experience when a sense of helplessness or being powerless begins to exist. This occurs when alcoholism is at its worst, therefore, treatment specialists should not wait passively for this to happen. An awareness of the bad effects of alcohol can lessen cases of alcoholism drastically. Motivational fetishes are people or groups of people who give the alcoholic care and concern for instance, a loving spouse or a supportive group of friends.
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Of course, there are also medical approaches. Ewings research pointed out that barbiturates and antidepressant medications should be used with caution. Theoretical knowledge on lithium may be used in the treatment of alcoholism. However, it is still theoretical and should not be routinary. Another theoretical treatment is through the intervention of Apomorphines. Experiments confirm the positive effect yet the brain chemistry is different in each person, so it is still under a blueprint. Psychotherapeutic approaches are the more widely used and probably a break-even effectivity-ineffectivity ratio. It is difficult, however, for the psychiatrist to be personally knowledgeable with the alcoholics so a more generalized pattern is to be done, hence, group psychiatric sessions. This may be the more-reliable method but the repercussions that may have been induced by malignant drinking may come back running again. Ancillary therapies include hypnosis. These therapies include metaphysical intervention through meditative activities, psychodrama, or relaxation training. Mahony (1999) conducted a qualitative research using art as a treatment for alcoholism. Sobriety is a main problem within the population of alcoholics, Thus, what Mahony desires is to increase motivation, confidence, to leisure interests, and to have an avenue of self-expression, in a creative and constructive way. It is the promotion of development that tends to require the enrichment of oneself and that, through art, they become an active participant of society, avoiding much more harmful ways of outlet. Art can channel pent-up feelings creatively and it is a rather safe channel of expression. It is also a non-verbal expression of unconscious and conscious thoughts and feeling, with professional assistance (where art therapists teach). Washton, et al (2006) provided ten tips to reduce drinking. They are: 1. Write down specific reasons for changing your drinking habits. 2. Set a realistic goal and timeframe. 3. Keep a drinking diary. 4. Drink slowly. 5. Designate certain non-drinking days. 6. Practice drink-refusal skills. 7. Avoid temptations and pressures to drink 8. Dont drink when you are emotionally upset. 9. Get support and stay active. 10. Dont give up.

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CONCLUSION It is not evil to drink. But people cannot deny the fact that use of alcohol is more disadvantageous than not. This research implies that, though there are possible treatments, experimental or not, people should need to know how much they might safely consume, before drinking puts them at risk (Velleman, 2011). It is better to cut down drinking or to be chanting and living up a mantra involving self-control. To become a controlled person after a stage of malignant drinking means to recognize a higher power who can give him the motivation for a proper, recovered lifestyle.

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BIBLIOGRAPHY Ewing, John (1977). Recent Advances in the Study of Alcoholism: Proceedings of the First International Magnus Huss Symposium, Stockholm. Amsterdam: Exerpta Medica, p. 23 -31 Mahony, Jacky (1999). Treatment of Addiction: Current Issues for Arts Therapies. New York, USA: Routledge, p. 117 - 140 Perez, Joseph (1992). Alcoholism: Causes, Effects, Treatments. Indiana, USA: Accelerated Development Inc. Publishers Ryan, Elizabeth (1989). Straight Talks about Drugs and Alcohol. New York, USA: Facts on File Publishing House Velleman, Richard (2011). Counselling for Alcohol Problems (3rd edition). London: Sage Publications Wallace, Bill (1974). Education and the Drug Scene. Nebraska, USA: Professional Educators Publications, Inc. Washton, Arnold & Zweben, Joan (2006). Treating Alcohol and Drug Problems in Psychotherapy Practice: Doing What Works. New York, USA: Guilford Press Zilney, Lisa Anne (2011). Social Costs, Crime, and Justice. New Jersey, USA: Prentice Hall

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