What are the reasons for characterizing social problems such

Solution

Ans :

The reasons behind characterizing social problems like alcoholism and drug abuse as diseases is their implications of human health owing to prolonged use. Both problems start as casual habits and gradually transform into addiction. In addition to causing significant damage to the liver, kidneys and nervous system, the alcoholism and drug abuse causes immense psychological,social and financial hardships to the addict as well as his / her family members. The withdrawl is extremely difficult and is possible through systematic therapy, All this make it more of a disease than a behavioural problem.

Some other social problems like urge to steal or loot, prostitution, incest, religious fanaticism are more social in nature and qualify as psychiatric diseases only if their influence is so severe that it overpowers the individual\'s senses and force him / her to react in a particular way. If all such cases are treated as disease, those with minor aberrations, that can be treated with counselling or social support can get worse and have disasterous consequences. Hence, such classification needs be done carefully.

These avoidable diseases can put extra burden on the healthcare systems which can otherwise be utilized to combat the regular and new age diseases more effectively, and economy which takes a hit due to loss of productivity because of affected population.