Alcoholism Case

Introduction Purpose of Research The purpose of this study is to investigate the impact of alcoholism/alcohol abuse on families in the La Brea community. This topic was chosen for research as there is a prominent problem regarding the abuse of alcohol in the community of La Brea. This study seeks to find out the possible causes and reasons which lead to individuals within the community consuming alcohol. Also this study attempts to examine the major effects of alcoholism on family life. Problem Statement How has alcoholism/alcohol abuse adversely impacted on families in the community of La Brea? Research Questions/Research Objectives What are the factors which influence family members to consume alcohol? To determine the extent to which the families are affected by alcoholism. What are the negative effects of alcoholism/alcohol abuse on family life? How can family members overcome alcoholism? Educational value of Research This study has much educational value. Large bodies such as the ministry of Education along with the ministry of Health can utilise this study to educate students as well as the general population on the effects of alcoholism by introducing alcohol abuse awareness programmes in the school curriculum as well as utilising the media so that the general population is reached. Also the Ministry of Health can use the findings of this study so that steps can be taken to prevent and to assist with the ever present problem of alcohol abuse in the community of La Brea. This study is intended to benefit all members of the La Brea community since it will equip them with the knowledge of the effects of consuming alcohol. Definition of key terms Alcohol - a colourless liquid derived from the fermentation of sugar, the intoxicating element in drinks such as beer, wine and brandy. Alcoholism - it is a chronic disease marked by a craving for alcohol. People who suffer from this illness are known as alcoholics. Alcohol abuse – any ‘harmful use' of alcohol. This is a psychiatric diagnosis describing the recurring use of alcoholic beverages despite its negative consequences. Consume - to drink or use up a resource. Impacted – The effect or impression of one thing on another. Statement of the Problem: Alcoholism is one of the main causes of dysfunctional families. This study seeks to investigate how alcoholism adversely affects families in the La Brea community. Experts have estimated that about 43% of the Caribbean population have been exposed to alcoholism or have alcohol consumption problems within their families due to either having been brought up with an alcoholic or by having a close alcoholic relative. According to the World Health Organisation, 76.3 million people worldwide have alcohol use disorders. Formal discussions with users in the La Brea area proposed that many adults consume alcohol at alarmingly high levels. Alcoholism is a genetically complex disorder, influenced by many genes interacting with one another along with