Question

Alcohol is a drug that is abused most in many countries, including the USA. Beside its health hazards when taken excessively and uncontrollably, it has socioeconomic impacts that can become destructive. Moreover, alcohol abuse can be inviting to other illicit drugs abuse.

1) The negative implications and consequences of being an alcoholic. (please list 3 at least).

2) As a counselor, how can you assist your client who is struggling with craving and stress while trying to abide to a recovery plans. (Please list 5 steps at least).

Answer 1

Answer 1:

Alcohol harms your body from inside when taken in excess. Even though you are unable to see what's happening with your body physiology. So you should not avoid the warning sign and symptoms of alcoholism.

Negative impacts of being an alcoholic are

a) On Brain

The effect of alcoholism on brain can be felt earlier. The chronic alcoholism leads to loss of memory and coordination of different body organs and functions. Prolonged use may damage brain structure. Damage to cerebellum , limbic system will lead to lack of coordination of body parts.

b) On liver

When ever a person drinks the alcohol is broken by liver and absorbed. When excess in quantity it accumulates in liver and cannot be excreated and with the time it leads to fatty liver which is the accumulation of bad fat in liver which later on leads to diabetes type 2, obesity, cirrhosis and liver failure.

c) On Heart

Intake of alcohol increases the triglycerides level in blood which is a kind of fat and leads to many cardiac diseases like high blood pressure and ischemic heart. Later on with prolonged use it will lead to cardiomyopathy, cardiac arrest and death.

Answer 2:

a) First of all I will try recognise the positive change in his body and behaviour and will later on tell him so that he can build up a confidence that he is progressing in right path with daily medication and his regular efforts.

b) Then I will tell him all the bad consequences of alcoholism and will tell what problem he has eliminated from his life with his single effort and what are further solution to remain away from it.

c) I will ask him for meditation twice or thrice a day so that he could have greater mental power and control, even greater concentration on his aim and to prevent mood change and to eliminate wrong and distracting thoughts.

d) I will help him to imagine a bright future with his family, parents and friends. This emotional scene will help him a lot to recover.

e) I wil tell him the stories of the people who were more addicted than him and had recovered to normal life with their small efforts. This will boost his confidence so that he could progress more toward healthier lifestyle.