Alcohol Misuse Among Ethiopian Community in the UK: Causes, Impacts, and Interventions

1. Introduction Alcohol is a liquid made by fermenting sugar and plant materials to form an intoxicating drink. used as a Psychoactive (mind altering) drug by all sex and age categories. Alcohol misuse in the context of Ethiopians in the UK The recent High suicidal incidences amongst the Ethiopian. During meetings at the Ethiopian Health Support Association’s and ECB people have emphasised the need to discus on the causes of mental health (such as drug, alcohol, khat and others). using the internet, reports and research papers, this paper discusses alcohol misuse and intends to get recommendations from the community members for further intervention and a blue print research work KA alcohol workshop

2. History The discovery of 'Beer Jugs' in the Stone age has confirmed that alcohol has been around since at least 10,000 B.C The earliest alcoholic beverages are said to have been made from honey or berries Alcohol has been important in the history ancient Egypt, Babylon, China & Greece. N. Ivanovich vavilove has also mentioned Ethiopia as one of the origins of alcohol drinks. (This is just one of hundreds of trips that Vavilov took in the 1920s and 30s ) Throughout its history, alcohol has been used socially for many diverse purposes, such as calming dispute, giving courage in battle, close up pacts/treaties, celebrating festivals, and seducing lovers. KA alcohol workshop

3. Alcohol Drinking and Its Problems How much? How often we drink? In England and wales great majority of teenagers and adults consume alcohol. Women who drink heavily during pregnancy are at risk of having babies with a condition called fatal alcohol syndrome. This can result in growth deficiencies, nervous system problems, lowered intelligence, and facial abnormalities in the child. KA alcohol workshop

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5. Excessive drinking over time is associated with: high blood pressure (which can lead to stroke) certain types of cancer, including mouth and throat damage to the brain heart failure Neurological/nerve problems such as epilepsy certain types of vitamin deficiency obesity sexual problems infertility muscle disease skin problems liver disease inflammation of the stomach) KA alcohol workshop

6. Where is My Head ????????? KA alcohol workshop

7. Other Problems of Alcohol Misuse Affects your physical co-ordination, Causes blurred vision, Vague speech Loss of balance. Leads to unconsciousness Coma, and even death. Vomiting while unconscious can lead to death Symptoms of anxiety or depression may occur with heavy alcohol use. KA alcohol workshop

8. Alcohol Affects the Central Nerves System A small amount of alcohol will relax you. But alcohol is a depressant Of the central nervous system. In increasing amounts it suppresses your brain that controls judgment KA alcohol workshop

9. Dependency on Alcohol According to the Institute of Alcohol Studies, a person is considered to be dependent on alcohol when he/she experiences three or more of the following symptoms: • A strong urge to drink, difficulty controlling how much they drink, or difficulty stopping. • Physical withdrawal symptoms, such as sweating, shaking, agitation and vomiting when they try to reduce drinking. • A growing tolerance to alcohol - needing larger quantities to get the same effect. • Gradual neglect of other activities. • Persistent drinking even though it is obviously causing harm. KA alcohol workshop

10. Social Problems Affects ones life and the lives of the people around him – his partners, friends, families, children and work colleagues. 3 in 10 divorces 4 in 10 cases of domestic violence 2 in 10 cases of child abuse KA alcohol workshop

11. Social problems continued • Accidents and assaults!! • Emotional and financial problems KA alcohol workshop

12. Some Common myths about Drinking Alcohol Myth - "Coffee will sober me up".Caffeine in coffee is a stimulant so you might feel more alert, but it won't make you sober.Myth - "I'll be fine in the morning"A healthy liver can get rid of only about one unit of alcohol an hour. Myth - "Alcohol keeps me alert"It has a depressant effect which slows down your reflexes.Myth - "Beer will make me less drunk than spirits"Half a pint of beer contains a single measure of spirits.Myth - "I'll be fine if I drink plenty of water before I go to bed"This can reduce hangover (by helping to prevent dehydration). Myth - "The recommended safe limits are too low" They are based on good research. Myth - "It's none of my business if a friend is drinking too much"If you are a real friend, it really is your business. KA alcohol workshop

13. Sayings from Ethiopia, Regarding Alcohol KA alcohol workshop

14. The Problem of Denial Some people who are heavy drinkers, or who are alcohol dependent, deny that there is a problem to themselves. The sort of thoughts that people deceive themselves with include: "I can cope", "I'm only drinking what all my mates drink", "I can stop anytime". KA alcohol workshop

15. Finding it hard to stop? • If you are concerned, you should seek help in the first instance from your GP. • Support from a counsellor KA alcohol workshop

16. Do you need help?A 'detoxification' treatment may be advised if you are alcohol dependent. Iinvolves taking a short course of a medicine which helps to prevent *withdrawal symptoms Referral for specialist help may be best for some people.Drinkline - National Alcohol Helpline Tel: 0800 917 8282Alcoholics Anonymous PO Box 1 10 Toft Green, York, YO1 7NDCome to your community organisation: Ethiopian Health Support Association 02074191972*Discontinuation of the use of an addictive substance. KA alcohol workshop

17. W H A T D O Y O U FEEL? KA alcohol workshop

18. Health Promotion Health promotion should highlight drinking as an issue for men and women of different age groups. Health promotion and prevention cannot be addressed in isolation from issues such us policy and culture. Within the Ethiopian community organisations there is a need to provide alcohol awareness by producing leaflets in Ethiopian/ Amharic language, and by organising training courses. KA alcohol workshop

19. Research Priorities Research has found a high prevalence of alcohol dependency amongst single homeless people – and that the severity of dependency worsens with housing circumstance with the highest levels (50%) amongst rough sleepersIn the UK an estimated 25% of drug misusers also misuse alcohol treatment services. There is some research work on the misuse of alcohol within the Ethnic minorities in the UK. But to date alcohol misuse within the Ethiopian community members has not been carried out. Taking into consideration the above information it is very important to carry out a research on alcohol misuse specifically focussing on the Ethiopian Community in Britain. KA alcohol workshop

20. Conclusion From the trend within the UK it is very important to study how alcohol is used within the ethnic minorities in general and the Ethiopian community members in particular. As we all know alcohol is one of the causes of mental health problems. The main cause for the high suicidal incidence amongst the Ethiopian community members has yet not been identified. This fact clearly tells us to carry out a research on drug, alcohol, khat and other mental health causes focussing on the Ethiopian Community in the UK. KA alcohol workshop

21. References Dr. Plant M, and Haw, S,(2000) Alcohol and health Research Centre, Edinburgh. Health education board for Scotland. Woodburn House, Canaan Lane, Edinburgh http://hcd2.bupa.co.uk/fact_sheets/html/alcohol_abuse.html http://www.patient.co.uk/showdoc/23068675/ www.etton.com http://www.mentalneurologicalprimarycare.org/downloads/primary_care/Alcohol_misuse.rtf http://www.herbalgram.org/naturemade/herbalgram/articleview.asp?a=1295&p=Y KA alcohol workshop

22. Thank you KA alcohol workshop