identify a public health issue that you think has an especia

identify a public health issue that you think has an especially social etiology (i.e. cause). I recommend looking into whether or not the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has a \"fact sheet\" on this issue. Beyond the background information, however, you will want to outline the social/structural causes and contributors to this issue

Solution

Alcoholism is identified as a public health issue which often results due to a combination of genetic, psychological, environmental and social factors. The social causes are :

1. Stress

Some people in time of stress tend to drink heavily. To lower this risk factor, people should take the time to de-stress with healthy methods, like reading a good book, exercising or taking a nap.

2. Drinking at an early age

People who begin drinking at an early age are more likely to have an alcohol problem or a physical dependence on alcohol as they get older. With age, drinking may become a comfortable habit and also the body’s tolerance levels may increase.

3. Mental health problems like depression

Anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder or other mental health issues can increase risk of alcoholism. A person tends to seek comfort in drinking during such time and the effects of alcohol may seem to temporarily ease those feelings leading to alcohol addiction.

4. Taking alcohol with medicine

Some medicines increases the toxic effects of alcohol on the body. A person taking alcohol with their medications may become addicted to the resulting effects – some of which may also have the capability to be very dangerous and even life-threatening.

5. Family history

Having a parent or other relative who is an alcoholic may increase the risk of alcoholism automatically. This may be due to genetics, but the environment also plays a role. Spending time around people who drink heavily or abuse alcohol can influence a person to do the same.

According to the fact sheets of U.S CDC, excessive alcohol use led to approximately 88,000 deaths and 2.5 million years of potential life lost each year in the United States from 2006 – 2010. Excessive drinking was also responsible for 1 in 10 deaths among working-age adults aged 20-64 years.

The health risks of alcoholism can be of two types.

Short-Term Health Risks

Excessive alcohol use has immediate effects that iinclude the following:

Long-Term Health Risks

Over time, excessive use of alcohol can lead to the development of chronic diseases including: