Nature and Scope of Alcohol Abuse in West Midlands - Essay Example

Lecturer Alcohol Abuse Alcohol abuse entails a psychiatrist diagnosis illustrating the reoccurrence of alcohol use, despite of its negative impact. Alcohol abuse is at times referred to as alcoholism (Coles & Porter, 2009). There are two categories of alcoholics: those experiencing pleasure seeking or antisocial behavior, and those experiencing anxiety driven characteristics which make them stay without alcohol for long duration, but drink uncontrollably when they start. Binge drinking is another unique alcohol abuse form, mostly practiced by the adolescent generation (Carroll & Wu, 2012). This research paper aims at analyzing the scope of alcoholism, and identification of ways of solving the problem through research. Part 1: Nature and Scope of Alcohol Abuse in West Midlands In the UK, various factors have been pointed to affect social health, individual wellbeing and the ultimate health of an individual. These factors include increase in chronic disease such as cancer, diabetes and obesity. The second one is about the concentration of the aged and the lone dwellers in the UK. Then finally the trend linked to smoking and alcohol abuse (Earle, 2004). The work at hand focuses on the alcohol abuse, describing the scope and nature of this social problem and including suggested research approaches to amend the situation. In the British community, consumption of alcohol is a normal practice that contributes significantly to the British economy. Many individuals take alcohol very responsibly while certain portions of the populations are also entangled by alcohol abuse (Earle & Sidell, 2007). One heard many things about the harmful consumption of alcohol and its negative impacts on the economy, the society and the individual’s health. Furthermore, abuse of alcohol has been observed to cause a variety of public health concerns including violence, poisoning, chronic diseases such as cirrhosis and certain cancers and accidents (Morgan, 2012). The effects of alcohol misuse in the society include lower economic status as a result of reduced productivity, frequent sick days and unemployment (Zuccato et al., 2008). Added to this, social harm occurs through high rate of divorce and rampant cases of domestic violence which are perpetuated by the individuals with high dependence on alcohol. Alcoholics are likely to be motivated to do crime and anti-social behaviors. All of these situations consequently result to higher burdens in the National Health System as characterized by the immediate demand for primary care linked to cases of alcohol-related-hospital admissions (Unwin, 2007) The Home Office and the Department of Health acknowledged the impacts of the misuse of alcohol by setting up a government-alcohol strategy in June 2007. The strategy was mainly focused on promoting sensible alcohol uptake in order to reduce the adverse consequences of any probable abuse linked to it (Lipsky & Caetano, 2009). It is derived from the Alcohol Harm Reduction Strategy of the year 2004. The Alcohol strategy of June 2007 squares in on the minority of the population drinking alcohol irresponsibly and thereby inflicting harm on themselves, their household members and the community at large ( Chinman, 2011). It is for the above reason that the Department of Health conducts a survey on the annual volume of alcohol consumption in England to determine the trends. One unit of an alcoholic drink is lawfully defined as 8mg of undiluted alcohol content which relates differently with the different quantities of other particular drinks. For instance, a 175 ml of wine which compares roughly to one glass equates to roughly two units of undiluted alcohol. Consequently, the department recommended twenty-one weekly units for men and fourteen weekly units for women (Chinman, 2011). In 2007, uptake of alcohol per capita in the United Kingdom escalated to 19% between 1980 and 2007. This contrasts the 13% decrease among the countries of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD). In the study, binge drinking was described as pertaining to the consumption of the individual which is remarkably measured as at least five drinks during a particular week. The United States of America, Canada, Germany and France recorded 17%, 24%, 30% and 33% respectively (Coles & Porter, 2009). On the other hand, the European nations were reported to have higher per capita consumptions. The highest levels of alcohol uptake were reported in Denmark, Finland, Ireland and the UK. Both Austria and Germany had 36% of binge drinking, while Ireland and Romania reported 44% and 39% respectively. Additionally, the UK reported 34% of binge drinking (Earle, 2007). In the recent health survey, 33% of adult men and 24% of adult women are categorized as hazardous drinkers. A further 6% and 2% of adult men and women represent the drinkers who are likely to be vulnerable to hazardous health effects from drinking alcohol (Coles & porter, 2009). The World Health Organization (WHO) identified two aspects of alcohol abuse that could trigger harm. These are volume and frequency of episodic alcohol drinking and the volume consumption of an individual’s lifetime (Chinman, 2011). Department of Health identified most youth or young adults are engaged in binge drinking and drunken disorder in the night. On the other hand, the home drinkers have been identified to be at a higher risk of extended periods of alcohol-related-health conditions as well as developing higher dependency on alcohol (Lipsky & Caetano, 2009). To prove this, a study was conducted in 2007 by Mintel in England. The findings showed migration away from the pubs. As compared to 2004, extra 1.8 million people take their alcohol at their homes (Mintel, 2007). Studies conducted in rural Eden, Cambria and Stoke provide remarkable evidence that home is the most famous choice as venue for alcohol consumption. The second option as setting for alcohol consumption is the friends’ residences. This shows that the alcohol consumed in licensed premises was much lower than those consumed at home. A 31% drop in alcohol sold for consumption outside the home was observed between 2001 and 2007. Further research indicated that the decrease can be due to more women getting more managerial jobs and limited time availability for the higher income earners (Earle & Sidell, 2007). For this reason, the domestic alcohol consumption has become a public health issue due to its consequences on health and the rise of chronic diseases. Alcohol is supposedly correlated with domestic violence, social crimes and breaking of traffic laws. From 1984 to 2008, alcohol related deaths amounted to 9000 (Lane, 2011). On the other hand, locally, in West Midlands, as evidenced in the Public Health of England, alcohol specific outcomes conditions have very high direct standardization rates (DSR). These outcomes include; liver infections, ethanol poisoning, unspecified poisonous content of alcohol, alcohol induced pancreatic and cognitive disorders (Zuccato et al., 2008). They reported 79.9, 34.8, 11.9, 11.8 and 247.1 DSR per 100,000 alcohol consumers respectively. For the year 2007, alcohol related deaths in West Midlands decreased to 25.4 DSR per 100, 000 as compared to 29.7 DSR for the year 2006 and 2005. Wolver Hampton had the highest levels of alcohol related deaths with 41.0 DSR per 100, 000 while the lowest was 14.3 in Warwick. To add on that, West Midlands reported 25.4 DSR per 100, 000 consumers of alcohol (Lawder, 2011). Part 2: Researching the Alcohol Abuse in West Midlands Comparison of Qualitative and Quantitative Research In quantitative research design, independent and dependent variables need to be identified. The research designs in this approach are either descriptive or experimental (Caan et al., 2000). Descriptive quantitative research design is only conducted once; while the experimental quantitative research design studies the established measures before and after the intervention. Generally, the quantitative research design is the standard method for a variety of scientific studies. Here, statistical and mathematical approaches are employed to analyze the data (Carr, 2007). These studies employ only one variable as the primary focus to enhance accuracy. Hypotheses are identified as either null or alternative. The alternative hypotheses prove interdependence among the independent and dependent variables; while the null hypotheses reject association. An example of this research design is one which was done in 2007 in Pakistan, which was focused on identifying profile of drug abusers in the locality as well as recommending preventive measures (Ali, 2011). On the other hand, the qualitative studies employ diverse variables for an individual study. The most common qualitative research design involves the survey designs and case studies. Due to its high degree of flexibility in handling various variables, a qualitative research design is considered the appropriate approach when the subject is diverse and cannot not be adequately settled using the yes or no hypotheses (Cabot, 2011). The advantages of using this design include the ease of operation and planning, and its lack of dependence on sample size contrary to the quantitative studies. An example of this research design is one which was done by Chinman, M., Burkhart, Q., Ebener, P., Fan, C., Imm, P., Osilla, K.C., Paddock, S.M. and Wright, A, which is about understanding off- and on-premises alcohol sales outlets to improve environmental alcohol prevention strategies (Chinman, 2011). Stages of Research Scientific research entails a systematic procedure that aims at being objective and collecting multitude information that for study and analysis, so that the researchers are able to conclude and identify appropriate recommendations (Hanlom, 2012). Scientific research involves several interconnected processes, all the steps are interlinked. The procedures for a particular research are highly influenced by its design. Generally, a researcher starts by identifying a particular issue or problem in the society and those it affects either directly or indirectly. The research problem can also be identified through a required knowledge or information, and the desire to satisfy a need. Secondly, the researcher should identify research questions whose answers should be suggesting possible solutions to the identified problem. Thirdly, the researcher should determine whether the study is quantitative or qualitative (Hanlom, 2012). From all the above, the researcher can set broad and specific objectives for the study to be conducted. The objectives are expectations of the results of the study. The objectives should be short, measurable, achievable, realistic, and time bound (SMART) (Muller et al., 2012). Hypotheses will then be stated to enable empirical testing of the identified independent and dependent variables to decide if the quantitative research design will be employed. Also, the researcher will need to identify, modify and design the appropriate data collection tool for the study. The instruments used in collecting data or information are classified into two categories; primary and secondary. Primary data collection tools are used to collect original data; for example interview, observation, questionnaire, or experimental methods. Secondary data collection tools collect data from existing sources; for example, conducting internet research, and data mining from literary materials like journals, textbooks and professional literary works (Cabot, 2011). Moreover, the data analysis approaches should be identified before the actual study. The most appropriate data analysis methods are the statistical measures of central tendencies, correlation, and dispersion. Central characteristics of data can be measured through mean and mode (Muller et al., 2012). Dispersion in the set of data can be analyzed through range and deviations. Upon completion of all these, the researcher is required to train the personnel involved in the study on their expectations and the value of the study; for example training on appropriate data recording or presentation methods. Finally, ethical compliance permission should be obtained prior to the study. Permission to conduct the research should be got from the authorities like university administration, the respondents should be told the purpose of the research for instance academic reasons, and the confidentiality of data sources should be maintained (Carlisle, 2012). Research Project Sample Study of Alcohol Abuse among Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities One of the effects of alcohol misuse is the development of mental instability among the drinkers. In the U.S, it is estimated that 8 million citizens suffer from this condition. The consumption of alcohol is relatively higher in individuals with intellectual disability as compared to the population at large (Caan, 2011). The cavities in previous researches on this aspect of alcohol misuse are likely to demand attention for individuals with re-occurring mental instability, those who are incarcerated and or those with mild intellectual disability (Carlisle, 2012). The aim of this study is to identify strategies for prevention of this condition and identify possible methods to meet the needs of these individuals (Chapman, 2012). The study methodology will be quantitative where various tools can be used for data collection. Using a stratified cluster random technique for sampling, this study will conduct a cross-sectional survey that can focus on the characteristics of the patient and the addiction history (Cole, 2009). The sample size will be determined using this formula; n= (Z 2 pq)/d 2 ), where n is the ultimate sample size, Z is set as 1.96 as the standard normal deviation with 95% confidence level, p is the proportion that is believed to have a particular characteristic in the target population. Finally, q = 1.0 – p and d is the desired degree of accuracy usually at 0.05 (Coles, 2009). The study population will involve those who attend the rehabilitative care for alcoholics and those that have alcohol-related-hospital admissions in West Midlands. The data collection will be conducted though face-to-face interviews and retrospective data collection from the patient files of those in the sample size. Quantitative analysis will be employed on the findings which will be used to develop recommendations (Coles, 2009). Previous researches will be analyzed to justify the study and also to build up on the literature review. One of these studies was done in Pakistan by Karachi. In his study, he identified various possible reasons for alcohol misuse including marital problems; break up from romantic relationships; and family problems (Caan et al., 2000). Alcohol amongst other drugs is viewed as a medium for shifting away from the reality of disturbing life situations. The findings noted that alcohol misuse is rooted in negative social pressures and socio-economic hurdles. Furthermore, another study identifies the need for measures to prevent addictions (Ali, 2011). Benefits of an interdisciplinary approach to the problem The benefits of tackling the alcohol abuse situation through an interdisciplinary approach is well elaborated through a health impact assessment. The health impact assessment is a universal tool that can be applied in every politically-administrative realm (Dahlren & Whitehead, 2006). This is because it can be used as a technique that aids in decision-making as well as predicting possible impacts of implementing certain options. The World Health Organisation points out that the tool is quite effective in determining inequalities in healthcare (Chinman 2011). The alcohol consumption in the UK has resulted in health inequalities. Fortunately, the health impact assessment (HIA) tool can be used to counter these inequalities due to its sensitivity and applicability towards inequities. The study conducted by (Dahlren & Whitehead, 2006), using a HIA identified the determinants of health to include biological factors such as hereditary factors, age, and sex, individual lifestyle behaviours such as eating patterns and smoking and alcohol consumption. Others include networks and individuality in a society, living and working environments such as sanitation and water, housing and availability of health services. The last ones involve the cultural, environmental and socioeconomic conditions (Dahlren & Whitehead 2006). Health determinants are interrelated with complex, causal relations that impact on health. Therefore, they should not be studied in isolation. For example, the binge drinking problem is likely to have been caused by the influence of other determinants through the causal pathways like social individuality. For instance, the lack of supportive networks in the society could be attributed to poverty which could have been due to economic factors in general leading to alcohol abuse (Muller et al., 2012). The peer pressure to indulge in alcohol drinking can be greatly related to the intense marketing strategies which have been modified in the 21st century to digital and internet and social media advertising. This explains the high rate of alcohol consumption amongst the youth which results in harm in them or those close to them. Advertising of alcohol creates social norms that lead to normalisation of alcohol drinking in the society. After all, the relevant exposure to these adverts is linked to alcohol consumption of the youth in particular (Rodgers, 2012). In health promotion, the health inequalities are believed to be widespread since health status of individuals varies considerably. Sociological factors such as poverty, gender, race and social class have a direct impact on an individual’s health status. Regional variances have been witnessed in health, differences in gender and patterns of health as well as increased incidence of a particular disease (Earle & Sidel, 2007). Promoting public health through health education is likely to be effective in encouraging behaviour change. A study conducted by McQueen in 1987 identified vital lifestyle behaviours that directly influence an individual’s health status. They include sedentary lifestyle, smoking, alcohol abuse and poor nutrition (McQeen, 1987). For this purpose, a national guideline for harmful alcohol use and alcohol dependence was instituted by the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) in 1997. These guidelines aim to improve access to health care for individuals in health misuse practices, determine role of interventions in treating alcohol dependence and integrate the preceding two aims to provide advice on best practice (Fone, 2012). Benefits of a multidisciplinary approach to the problem Multidisciplinary approach to tackling alcoholism, relates to utilizing various methods to identify the negative effects of alcoholism, and identify solutions through understanding the complex alcoholism issues. The multidisciplinary approach is increasingly used by government agencies and professional organizations, which recognize the importance of systems thinking for solving the complex alcoholism problem (Cabot, 2011). Alcoholism can be seen in various groupings. The patterns of alcohol consumption vary across cultures, gender and age. An issue based policy can be utilized in minimizing drinking in these different groupings. Health, economic and social impacts must be analyzed, so as to identify the effects of alcohol on the wellbeing of the society. Regulations on alcohol use cover both bye laws and national legislations, and the degree to which they are enforced in the society. Regulators and policy makers should understand the interactions of these perspectives in the whole system. This ensures understanding and collaboration between diverse organizations and agencies; so as to effectively solve the alcoholism problems nationally (Muller et al., 2012). In conclusion, the alcohol misuse is a global concern both in the developing and developed countries. Various governmental supports have been invested in curbing the problem. Alcohol misuse does not only affect the health of the individual, but it also affects the nation at large thorough decreased productivity at work, and high mortality and morbidity with alcohol-correlated situations (Lipsky & Caetano, 2009). It has also been observed that the dependence on alcohol abuse could be attributed to the intellectual disability such as mental illnesses and psychological disorders. Various studies have been done to determine the variables that promote alcoholism with little impact on the society. This is because most of these recommendations are not implemented as expected. This therefore proves that studies in these fields have been deemed redundant. More researches should be conducted and the recommendations should be employed in developing policies on alcohol consumption (Ritcher, 1995). Bibliography Ali, H., Bushra, R. and Aslam, N. (2011) Profile of drug users in Karachi City, Pakistan. Eastern Mediterranean health journal = La revue de santé de la Méditerranée orientale = al-Majallah al-ṣiḥḥīyah li-sharq al-mutawassiṭ [online], 17(1), pp. 41 Brook, D.W., Brook, J.S., Rubenstone, E., Zhang, C. and Morojele, N.K. (2011) Environmental stressors, low well-being, smoking, and alcohol use among South African adolescents. Social science & medicine [online], 72(9), pp. 1447-1453. Caan, W. et al (2000). Drink, Drugs and Dependence: From Science to Clinical Practice (1st ed.). Routledge. pp. 19–20. Cabot, R.C. (1904). The relation of alcohol to arterioscleroisis. Journal of the American Medical Association 43: 774–775. Carroll Chapman, S.L. and Wu, L. (2012) Substance abuse among individuals with intellectual disabilities. Research in developmental disabilities [online], 33(4), pp. 1147-1156 Cartwright, A.K.J. and Shaw, S.J. et al . (1978) ‘The relationships between per capita consumption drinking patterns and alcohol related problems in a population sample 196 – 1974, Part 1, Increased consumption and changes in drinking patterns’, British Journal of Addiction, Vol. 73, No. 3, pp. 237–46 Chinman, M., Burkhart, Q., Ebener, P., Fan, C., Imm, P., Osilla, K.C., Paddock, S.M. and Wright, A. (2011) The Premises is the Premise: Understanding Off- and On-premises Alcohol Sales Outlets to Improve Environmental Alcohol Prevention Strategies. Prevention Science [online], 12(2), pp. 181-191 Coles, L. and Porter, E. (2009) Public Health Skills: A Practical Guide for Nurses and Public Health Practitioners . [online] US: Wiley-Blackwell. Earle, S., Lloyd, C. and Sidell, M. (2007) Theory and Research in Promoting Public Health. EuroHealthNet (2004) Promoting Social Exclusion and Tackling Health Inequalities in Europe: An Overview of Good Practice from the Health Field, Brussels, EuroHealthNet. Fawcett, S., Paine-Andrews, A., Franisco, J., Schultz, J., Lewis, R., Williams, E., Harris, K., Berkley, J., Lopez, C., Fisher, J. and Richter, K. (1995) ‘Using empowerment theory in collaborative partnerships for community health and development’, American Journal of Community Psychology, vol. 23, no. 5, pp. 677–97. Fone, D., Brennan, I., Sivarajasingam, V., Morgan, J., Fry, R., Lyons, R., Dunstan, F., White, J., Webster, C., Rodgers, S., Lee, S., Shiode, N., Orford, S. and Weightman, A. (2012) Change in alcohol outlet density and alcohol-related harm to population health (CHALICE). BMC public health [online], 12(1), pp. 428-428 . Hanlon, P., Carlisle, S., Hannah, M. and Lyon, A. (2012) The Future Public Health . Open University Press. http://www.wmpho.org.uk/localprofiles/alcoholdeaths.aspx Lane, D.C. and Simmons, J. (2011) American Indian youth substance abuse: community-driven interventions. The Mount Sinai journal of medicine, New York [online], 78(3), pp. 362- 372 Lawder, R., Grant, I., Storey, C., Walsh, D., Whyte, B. and Hanlon, P. (2011) Epidemiology of hospitalization due to alcohol-related harm: Evidence from a Scottish cohort study. Public health Lipsky, S. and Caetano, R. (2009) Epidemiology of Substance Abuse Among Latinos. Journal of Ethnicity in Substance Abuse [online], 8(3), pp. 242-260 Müller. D. et al (2012). Neurophysiologic findings in chronic alcohol abuse. Psychiatr Neurol Med Psychol (Leipz) (in German) 37 (3): 129–32. Unwin, N., Carr, S. and Pless-Mulloli, T. (2007) Introduction to Public Health andEpidemiology. [online] Open University Press. Watanabe-Galloway, S., Ryan, S., Hansen, K., Hullsiek, B., Muli, V. and Malone, A.C. (2009) Effects of methamphetamine abuse beyond individual users. Journal of psychoactive drugs [online], 41(3), pp. 241 Zuccato, E., Chiabrando, C., Castiglioni, S., Bagnati, R. and Fanelli, R. (2008) Estimating community drug abuse by wastewater analysis. Environmental health perspectives [online], 116(8), pp. 1027-1032. Read More