Phoenix Yan

3/27/25

HSCI 2301

Professor Ignace

Midterm paper: Alcoholism

Alcoholism, also known as AUD (Alcohol use disorder), is a major public health concern

that affects many individuals worldwide. It refers to the inability to manage alcohol

consumption, which often leads to outcomes like alcohol abuse, alcohol addiction or alcohol

dependence. Alcoholism can be triggered by a number of factors, including mental health

problems as well as social and environmental pressures. The consequences of excessive alcohol

consumption range from chronic diseases to fatal accidents. Understanding these contributing

factors and health outcomes is essential in creating effective prevention strategies.

Mental health disorders such as depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and

anxiety are strongly linked to alcoholism. Many individuals struggling with these conditions turn

to alcohol as a coping mechanism to temporarily relieve emotional distress. According to the

National Institute of Health (NIH, 2022), “people with a mental disorder, such as anxiety,

depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), may use drugs or alcohol as a form of

self-medication.” This may further increase mental health symptoms, leading to a continuous

cycle of alcohol dependency and worsening their existing conditions. Furthermore, excessive

alcohol consumption can build a higher tolerance, therefore requiring more alcohol to produce

the same numbing effect. As a result, individuals with existing mental health conditions may end
up becoming more reliant on alcohol to maintain a sense of emotional stability, further deepening

their addiction.

Social and environmental factors also play an important role in the development of

alcoholism. Family history, peer pressure, and cultural norms can all influence drinking

behaviors. For example, individuals that grow up in households where excessive alcohol

consumption is normalized are typically at a higher risk of developing alcoholism. According to

the National Institute of Health (NIH, 2006), “excessive drinking can result if alcohol use

becomes an integral part of peer interactions.” This demonstrates how your surroundings and the

need to feel included or accepted within your peers can influence your drinking patterns.

Additionally, social settings such as celebrations and friendly gatherings, as well as urban areas

containing many bars, further encourage alcohol consumption. The accessibility and affordability

of alcohol in certain communities fuel this issue, making it easier for individuals to develop

alcohol dependency over time.

The development of alcohol abuse is a crucial component of certain long-term health

consequences that are severe and lead to a range of chronic diseases. For example, liver cirrhosis

is a chronic disease where the liver tissues are permanently scarred and its ability to filter toxins

worsens, leading to permanent liver damage and ultimately failure of the liver entirely.

Additionally, prolonged alcohol abuse can increase the risk of obtaining cardiovascular diseases

such as high blood pressure and cholesterol levels that lead to strokes. Heavy drinking is also

linked to digestive disorders that can weaken your immune system and cause neurological

damage, significantly reducing overall health and quality of life.

as drunk driving and irresponsible behaviors escalating to fatal accidents. According to the

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC, 2023), too much alcohol consumption causes

approximately 178,000 deaths yearly in the United States alone. Alcohol impairs cognitive

function and motor skills, increasing the likelihood of accidents. For example, a recent incident

that occurred a few blocks away from my house was of an off-duty FDNY firefighter who was

driving intoxicated at a speed above 75 mph in a 25 mph zone. This unfortunately caused a fatal

accident that ended the life of another civilian who was driving to work. This example further

exhibits how drunk driving remains a leading cause of deaths that affects not only the individuals

under the influence but also innocent bystanders. Additionally, consuming alcohol irresponsibly

ultimately leads to violence, risky behaviors, and neglect of responsibilities such as work and

personal obligations. These outcomes highlight how social factors can be capable of disrupting

the lives beyond the individual suffering from addiction.

​ There are many approaches that can help prevent the development of alcoholism while

also promoting healthier habits and improving the overall quality of life. Complementary and

Alternative Medicine (CAM) is a useful tool that can be an alternate solution to drinking.

According to the National Institute of Health (NIH, 2024), activities like meditating, going on

daily walks, and yoga can help to reduce stress or anxiety, which are key determinants of

alcoholism. These methods are simple and economically accessible treatments that help promote

healthier lifestyles and reduce the temptation of drinking alcohol. Another solution can be

providing more education in schools on the dangers and long-term effects of habitual drinking.

This would allow individuals to have a better understanding of what excessive drinking can lead

to and potentially provide more caution when drinking.

lifestyle. My focus on preventing alcoholism is on promoting exercise and proper nutrition,

which play a crucial role in mental and physical well-being. This method involves the properties

of CAM as mentioned earlier that serve as natural remedies to cope with stress and emotional

struggles. According to Scientific Reports (2023), “physical activity could buffer the negative

association of psychological stress with affective wellbeing.” Encouraging clients to engage in

regular physical activity can help reduce their reliance on alcohol by providing a healthier outlet

for stress relief and mood enhancement. Additionally, helping clients set healthy body goals as

well as providing examples of healthy life choices through diet and sleep can improve their

physical and mental condition. By combining fitness and wellness practices into our daily lives,

we are less likely to turn to alcohol as a solution for our problems.

In conclusion, AUD is a major public health issue that is influenced by mental health

disorders as well as social and environmental factors. The repercussions of excessive alcohol

consumption range from chronic diseases to fatal accidents, which can significantly impact both

individuals and the rest of society. Preventative strategies like mental health support systems,

education on the dangers of alcohol, and the promotion of healthy lifestyles are essential in

addressing this problem. As a fitness instructor, recognizing the importance of leading

individuals toward healthier habits and reducing the risk of alcoholism through fitness plays a

crucial role in preventative care. By creating a culture of health and awareness in health-related

professions, we can contribute to the prevention of alcohol dependency and improve overall

public health.
 Citations:

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2.​ National Institute of Mental Health. Substance Use and Co-occurring Mental Disorders.

National Institute of Mental Health. Published March 2024.

https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/substance-use-and-mental-health

3.​ ‌NIAAA. Neuroscience: The Brain in Addiction and Recovery | National Institute on

Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA). www.niaaa.nih.gov. Published September 22,

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5.​ ‌CDC. Alcohol Use and Your Health. Alcohol Use. Published May 9, 2024.

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