ALCOHOL abuse is one of the biggest social and health problems among Guyanese. Alcohol abuse disorder is defined as “problem drinking that affects a person’s social, economic, or physical well-being.” And, having been identified as a disease by medical experts, it must and can be addressed as such by medical professionals.

According to a report by the World Health Organisation (WHO), 15.2% of male drinkers in Guyana consume more than 60 grams of alcohol at least once per month. This, according to the WHO, constitutes heavy drinking. According to their statistics, 15.9% of heavy drinkers have alcohol abuse disorder, while 3.9% may be considered alcoholics. Among Guyanese youth, males on average take their first drink at 11.9 years old, and females at 12.5 years. Those statistics are the worst in the Caribbean.

Guyanese are all too familiar with the negative health effects of alcohol abuse. While vehicular accidents and related fatalities may be the most obvious results, falls, death by fire, homicide, drowning, and suicide are also effects caused by acute (immediate) intoxication. Long-term (chronic) effects include liver disease, pancreatitis, suicide, stroke, bowel dysfunction, brain disease, psychiatric disorders, cancers, and sexually transmitted diseases, among other issues. Considering all of those factors, the WHO concludes that problem-drinking cuts 15 years from one’s life expectancy, compared with eight years for cigarette smoking.

The destructive effects on families, relationships, and social consequences are well known. Children are often most severely affected, as they may go hungry or be subject to abuse or neglect due to having alcoholic parents. Families can be torn apart, they may become homeless, and children may become orphans.

While the causes of problem-drinking are complex and not well understood, medical experts agree that heredity plays a major part; having a parent who has an alcohol problem increases one’s likelihood of developing the disease. Studies of twins support this view. Scientists believe that peer influence, alcohol availability, and cultural factors also contribute to the fact that at least 25% of the global population are considered to be chronically dependent on alcohol, while a minimum of 10% of men and 5% of women may be considered alcoholics.

Another major consequence involves effects on the foetus when alcohol is consumed by a pregnant woman. Such a baby, if it survives, may be born with foetal alcohol syndrome (FAS). This disorder is characterised by low birth weight, deformities of the face, head, and limbs, mental retardation, malformation of the heart, lungs and other organs, and stunted growth. No amount of alcohol is considered safe during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.

While there is medical evidence that concludes that moderate drinking has some health effects, such as prevention of heart attacks and ischemic strokes, such benefits are lost when alcohol is used in excessive quantities.

Clearly, alcohol abuse is a problem that can destroy individuals, families, communities, and by extension affect entire countries because the cost of addressing alcohol-related issues takes a major toll on national economies. Absenteeism from work alone is estimated to cost billions of dollars worldwide. Recognising the problem, what can we do about it?

While the government has a responsibility to provide healthcare services to those affected by this disease, it is up to individuals to take advantage of the available opportunities being offered.

First, affected persons and families must recognise the disorder and make a decision to seek help. Second, afflicted persons should be assessed by medical professionals, who will then recommend a course of treatment. Third, the problem-drinker needs to stick with the programme. Fortunately, in Guyana, help is available. Medical aid for alcohol related issues is offered at any hospital.

At the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation, psychiatric and counselling services are obtainable at no cost. Persons who want more information may call any public hospital, or the suicide prevention hotline at 223-0001, 223-0009, 623-4444, or 600-7896.