REVIEW ARTICLE ON KNOWLEDGE ON SOCIO-CULTURAL AND ILL EFFECTS OF ALCOHOLISM

Abstract

Alcoholism is defined as chronic dependence characterized by compulsive drinking of alcohol to such a degree that produces mental disturbances and interferes with social and economic functioning.A large proportion of unwanted sexual advances are mediated by alcohol. There is risk of accidental injury, violence and acute alcoholpoisoning. Alcohol and domestic violence are linked to spouse/partner and family structures.It is well established that alcohol-dependent people and heavy drinkers have more sick-leave days than other employees. Many studies have shown that unemployment and heavy drinking tend to go together.Parental heavy drinking increases the risk of poor school performance and school drop-out among their children. In some cases, a mother’s heavy drinking during pregnancy leads to attention deficits and behavioural problems in the child.Numerous research reports attest to the significant impact of drinking on accidents, suicide and violence. alcohol plays a major role in crime, especially in crimes of violence.Alcohol is estimated to cause about 20-30% worldwide diseases of oesophageal cancer, liver cancer, cirrhosis, homicide, epilepsy, and motor vehicle accidents.