MHM Magazine

26 | MENTAL HEALTH MATTERS | 2024 | Issue 5 MHM Mermaid. So I get up, I waddle toward Mommy and Daddy's room, Blankie in hand, I pause. Daddy's standing in his underwear, silhouetted by refrigerator light. He raises a bottle to his lips. 0. When my mother was pregnant with me, I wonder if she hoped, as so many mothers do, that her baby boy would grow up to be, just like His father. Perhaps only someone who has personally suffered through the damage done by addiction can convey the horror with such raw emotion. The words are powerful, but the situation is far from unique – there are millions of stories, millions of tragedies, just like this one that are never told – but the suffering remains. Alcoholism, or Alcohol Use Disorder to borrow the clinical term, is not an individual disease. In fact, some of the very criteria we use to diagnose Alcohol Use Disorder speaks to the impact on those around the patient. As healthcare professionals, we are acutely aware that Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) is not merely an individual condition. Some of the diagnostic criteria for AUD explicitly reference the impact on those close to the affected person. It’s crucial to recognise these patterns early in order to intervene effectively. Let us briefly revisit some of these criteria: • Has the patient consumed more alcohol or for a longer period than intended? • Have there been unsuccessful attempts to reduce or stop drinking? • Do they spend significant time drinking or recovering from its effects? • Is there an overwhelming urge to drink, often preoccupying their thoughts? • Has their drinking interfered with work, family life, or other responsibilities? • Are relationships strained due to their alcohol consumption? • Do they continue drinking despite negative impacts on their physical or mental health? • Have they developed tolerance (needing more to achieve the same effect) or experienced withdrawal symptoms? Even when presented in this abbreviated form, the through-line remains clear: when alcohol starts to negatively impact the patient's life and those around them, and yet they continue to drink, it has become a serious problem. Alcoholism is often insidious. The social acceptability of alcohol makes it difficult to distinguish between casual drinking and problematic consumption. Many patients may find the label of "alcoholic" off-putting or stigmatising, and this can be a barrier to seeking help. It may be more effective to focus on the behaviours and consequences of alcohol use rather than fixating on labels. It's important to emphasise that addiction can develop gradually. Every person with an alcohol dependency began as someone who simply "enjoyed a drink". Therefore, early recognition of problematic drinking is key to intervention. If patients suspect their drinking may be harmful, it’s beneficial to encourage them to reduce or stop their intake, even temporarily. Setting manageable goals, such as limiting drinking to specific days or in moderation, can provide insight into whether they are able to control their consumption. If a patient can’t adhere to these self-imposed limits, it may signal the need for more significant intervention. The earlier this issue is addressed, the easier it is to manage. Alcohol addiction, although often underestimated, can be just as dangerous as dependency on other substances. The prevalence of alcohol in our daily lives makes it harder for individuals to recognise its dangers. Yet, alcohol can be as lethal as any other drug, contributing to almost 5% of all deaths globally each year—a statistic that far exceeds deaths attributed to other substances. For patients struggling with alcohol dependency, it’s vital to reinforce that help is available. Many have successfully navigated their recovery and gone on to rebuild their lives and relationships. Alcoholics Anonymous and similar organisations provide widespread support, welcoming individuals ready to take responsibility for their recovery. The earlier patients seek help, the better their chances of reclaiming control over their lives. It’s never too late to intervene. Resources: Substance Abuse Helpline: 0800 12 13 14 (24hr toll-free helpline) SANCA: 063 418 2956 (WhatsApp) or info@sancacentral.org.za References available on request. MHM | 2024 | Volume 11 | Issue 5 | Unravelling the family fabric: The profound impact of alcohol abuse on family dynamics H