I AM WHAT I THINK

Alcohol is the most widely-used drug among young people in Jamaica and worldwide. It is available in many forms. Common alcohol-containing drinks include beer which contain about five per cent alcohol, wines, which contains about 12 per cent alcohol and spirits such as rum, gin and vodka which contain 30 per cent alcohol. In Jamaica, we have overproof rum containing a higher concentration of alcohol and this may be purchased in shops or supermarkets.

Many young people are introduced to alcohol at home and it is not uncommon to see fathers putting bottles of beer to the mouths of their young children. In many homes, children are given drinks such as carrot juice and sour sop juice with a little alcohol added.

It is distressing that in the Caribbean many young people do not see alcohol as a drug, mainly because its use is so intertwined with our lives.

The effects of alcohol

Dizzy and delightful: Alcohol causes a feeling of relaxation and cheerfulness in the early stages. The individual gets a high that allows him or her to speak freely and confidently.

Drunk and disorderly: As one imbibes more alcohol, one gets to the stage of drunkenness. During this phase an individual loses coordination and may become very disorganised in speech and behaviour. Some people's behaviour may become out of control during this stage and they may become very violent and aggressive.

Dead drunk: Thank God many persons do not get to this stage, but excessive drinking may lead to blackouts or a state of unconsciousness. In some instances this may lead to alcohol poisoning and even death.

Memory loss

Alcohol may have many harmful effects on the body; its use is associated with liver disease, ulcers of the stomach and stomach cancer. Alcohol may also affect the brain, leading to memory impairment and dementia.

Alcohol is a major cause of motor vehicle accidents involving young people. It has harmful effects on the unborn baby and affects the development of a child when it is taken by a pregnant mother. Alcohol also affects the reproductive organs. Although it may increase the desire for sex, it actually decreases performance. The fact is that alcohol kills. It is the silent killer.

Date rapes

Among the youth, alcohol is associated with most cases of sexual assaults and date rapes. Alcohol is also associated with unprotected sex among young people. They use alcohol, become very happy and cheerful, lose their inhibitions and are more likely to engage in high-risk behaviours that lead to HIV and other sexually transmitted infections.

The grim reality is that alcohol kills six times more young people than all illicit drugs combined, including cocaine and ganja.

Dr Wendel Abel is a consultant psychiatrist and head, Section of Psychiatry, Dept Of Community Health and Psychiatry, University of the West Indies. Email: yourhealth@gleanerjm.com.