Alcohol misuse: tackling the UK epidemic February 22, 2008
Posted by western4uk in Alcohol, Grey Literature.Tags: Alcohol, Grey Literature
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Alcohol misuse: tackling the UK epidemic from the BMA, considers the problematic levels of alcohol misuse in the UK and is not aimed at those who enjoy consuming alcohol in moderation. It examines the patterns and trends of alcohol consumption and goes on to review the range of adverse effects both on the individual and society that are associated with its misuse.
Alcohol consumption is causes a wide range of medical conditions and is a significant cause of morbidity and premature death worldwide. It contributes to a range of acute and chronic health consequences, from alcohol poisoning and injuries resulting from traffic crashes to cancer and cardiovascular disease. The more an individual consumes, the greater the risk of harm.
Alcohol misuse is associated with crime, violence and anti-social behaviour, and can impact significantly on family and community life. The cost of alcohol misuse in the UK is substantial, both in terms of direct costs (eg costs to hospital services and the criminal justice service) and indirect costs (eg loss of productivity and the impact on family and social networks).
As an addiction interventionist I will have families complete an exercise called “The High Cost of Untreated Addiction.” Not a one of them comes away with this disease having cost them less than $100,000 and those are just the “hard” costs (lost wages, attorneys, fines, court costs, increased insurance, etc). Other costs, loss of freedom, reputation, time, health are immeasurable. Some costs are irrecoverable. Only then do people begin to have a small understanding that by NOT treating the disease early, aggressively and professionally that they are losing money.