ALCOHOL AND THE RISK OF HIV

 

Alcohol is classed as a depressant, meaning that it slows down vital functions—resulting in slurred speech, unsteady movement, disturbed perceptions and an inability to react quickly.

As for how it affects the mind, it is best understood as a drug that reduces a person’s ability to think rationally and distorts his or her judgment.

Although classified as a depressant, the amount of alcohol consumed determines the type of effect. Most people drink for the stimulant effect, such as a beer or glass of wine taken to “loosen up.” But if a person consumes more than the body can handle, they then experience alcohol’s depressant effect. They start to feel “stupid” or lose coordination and control.

Alcohol overdose causes even more severe depressant effects (inability to feel pain, toxicity where the body vomits the poison, and finally unconsciousness or, worse, coma or death from severe toxic overdose). These reactions depend on how much is consumed and how quickly.

There are different kinds of alcohol. Ethyl alcohol (ethanol), the only alcohol used in beverages, is produced by the fermentation of grains and fruits. Fermenting is a chemical process whereby yeast acts upon certain ingredients in the food, creating alcohol.

HIV risk-taking behaviors and harmful drinking patterns

HIV is spread via unprotected sexual contact with an infected person, by direct blood contact through contaminated needles (primarily for illicit drug injection or in healthcare settings without proper sterilization procedures), during birth or breastfeeding (for infants born to HIV-infected mothers), or through transfusions of infected blood. Unsafe sex, identified by the World Health Organization (WHO) as one of 10 leading risk factors for harm globally, is the most common mode of HIV transmission. “Unsafe sex” refers to sexual contact with partners of unknown HIV status without the use of condoms. Unsafe sex disproportionately affects individuals in the world’s poorest countries, where it ranks as the second most important risk factor for disease, disability, and death. By comparison, it is ranked ninth in high-income countries.

Recent research has suggested a correlation between heavy and harmful drinking patterns and an increased likelihood of sexual risk-taking behaviors, including engaging in unprotected sex. It has been suggested that heavy drinking patterns may influence sexual risk-taking by affecting judgment and reducing inhibitions, thereby diminishing perceived risk or excusing behaviors otherwise considered socially unacceptable. High blood alcohol concentration (BAC) levels have also been associated with reduced intentions to use condoms.

The relationship between risk-taking, drinking, and HIV/AIDS risk is influenced by cultural and societal factors. For example, a study undertaken by WHO in eight countries found that inebriation was considered a culturally acceptable excuse for acting irresponsibly (including engaging in unsafe sexual activities) in Belarus, Kenya, Mexico, Romania, the Russian Federation, and South Africa. In Romania, this conceptualization was exclusive to men, implying that such behavior was correlated with an assertion of masculinity.

Research indicates that the relationship between alcohol and sexual conduct is context- and community-specific. Outcomes are likely to vary, depending on situation, gender, sexual and alcohol experiences, cultural norms and practices, drinking patterns, and individual physiological responses to alcohol. Expectations surrounding the effects of alcohol (e.g., the perception that alcohol enhances sexual arousal and performance) and personality traits associated with both drinking and sexual risk-taking (e.g., impulsive decision-making, stimulus- and sensation-seeking) may also influence unsafe sexual practices. The WHO study supports this assertion, reporting that in the Russian Federation “there was a common misconception that a person without alcohol was incapable of engaging in sex”.

These factors are, however, subjective and difficult to quantify. In addition, the important and multi-faceted role alcohol plays in various cultures, traditions, and social contexts does not afford an easy comparative analysis across borders or even within a given country. The involvement of many social, cultural, and contextual factors makes it difficult to study the association between drinking patterns and transmission of HIV/AIDS.

How to Prevent Alcohol Abuse

1.    Recognize the signs of alcohol abuse. When the use of alcohol progresses to alcohol abuse there are several recognizable signs. Continued use of alcohol despite negative consequences is one such indicator. Legal problems related to drinking, like getting a DUI, relationship problems caused by drinking, and occupational problems associated with drinking, such as getting fired for missing work when you were hung over are examples of when negative consequences result from drinking. Continued use despite these consequences should signal a problem. Avoiding important obligations like work and school in order to drink is another sign of trouble. Use of alcohol in dangerous settings, like driving or while caring for your children, is also a sign that alcohol use has progressed to abuse.

 

2.    Know your triggers. There are many reasons why a person drinks. Many people use alcohol to relax or unwind. Others use it as a coping mechanism, while others use it recreationally or for fun. It is important to understand the reason you are using alcohol to determine whether alcohol has become a problem. If drinking occurs as a way to escape from problems or as a way to deal with painful emotions, you risk developing a drinking problem and should seek help to deal with these emotions.

 

3.    Avoid high-risk areas. If you are aware that drinking has become a problem, it is necessary to avoid your high-risk areas. If you stop by the bar every day on the way home, you may need to take a different way home. If your best friend shows up every Friday with a bottle of wine, you may have to change plans and meet at a cafe where alcohol is not served. Many times it is necessary to change friendships and change patterns so you can avoid your high-risk areas.

 

4.    Find another outlet. It isn't enough to simply stop drinking.; it is important to find another outlet that can serve the same purpose. If alcohol is a recreation for you, try taking up a new sport instead. If it is a coping mechanism, try utilizing techniques like journaling as a way to cope with your emotions. Find something new to get involved in to take the place of drinking. A healthy outlet ensures you fill the void previously filled with drinking.

5.    Ask for help. If you find that your alcohol problem is too difficult to handle alone, you may need to get professional help. There are counselors who can help treat your alcohol problems. Outpatient and inpatient substance abuse programs are available depending on the level of your addiction. Participate in support groups like Alcoholics Anonymous so you can benefit from the advice of others who have dealt with similar addictions. Professional help may be the answer you are looking for to treat this problem.

Culled from:

1.    The Truth About Alcohol: http://www.drugfreeworld.org

2.    Practical Guides for Alcohol Policy and Prevention Approaches: www.icap.org/policy tools/icapbluebook

3.    How to Prevent Alchol Abuse: http://www.ehow.com