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CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
1.1 GENERAL
Alcoholism is one of the major culprits for many undesirable issues seen in
our society. The main reason for this adverse outcome is the direct impact on the
physical and emotional health of the person who is addicted to alcohol as well as the
entire family unit. This can be tagged as a disease which runs through all the members
of the family and affects each of them differently. When the results are carefully
analyzed, it becomes clear that even when the person who is addicted to alcohol is
rehabilitated, yet, the long term impact of his alcoholism may persist in other
members of the family, especially young dependants.
Needless to say, we are not living in a pre-historic era. We are living in
perhaps the most prosperous period of human history, even in a developing country
like Sri Lanka. The life cycle of people has changed enormously in recent times. The
standard of living has improved in many parts of the world including our own
country. The miracles of scientific invention influence all our lives. As a result life of
the community has become very artificial and mechanical. This is the outcome of the
change in the physical and social environment under the influence of technology and
modern methods of mass communication. More and more under the impact of
globalization the life of people has become ‘standardized’. This trend has both good
effects as well as bad effects. Mass methods of communication through the electronic
media and the use of the mobile telephone have changed the day to day life of human
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beings very much. It is well known that in ancient times, the simplest form of
permanent communication was by means of inscriptions. With the rapid development
of the civilization there has been vast improvement in the methods of communication.
Today methods of communication take many different forms. Among these print
media such as newspapers and magazines are very prominent. Books are printed and
available to all sections of the population in vast numbers. Even more important have
become the electronic media especially television. The impact of television on the
behavior of people has become very pervasive. In fact many people believe that the
‘electric brain’ of the community in the form of the television is the most important
influence on social behaviour of people all over the world. Today from our homes we
can watch the news of the world as it is taking place in anywhere in the world. Sri
Lanka is only a speck on the map of the world. But the whole world and beyond is
accessible to people in Sri Lanka through satellite communication. These methods of
communication have joined the whole world together. Today through mechanisms
like the face-book people all over the world can communicate with one another. It is
therefore true to say that today through technology humankind has acquired the power
to control nature to a great extent. But as already noted this technology also has had
an unwholesome influence on some aspects of human life.
When we compare our society which is a part of the developing world with
life in a fully developed industrial society, many people begin to feel that our society
is inferior to society in developed countries. This makes them to react in ways which
are not healthy to the community as a whole. They begin to feel discontented. They
come to believe that what is required to make their lives happier is more money. So
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they begin to chase money. But money is not everything. However, many people
come to realize this truth only very late in their lives.
These days when we watch television or read a newspaper, we can clearly see
the state of our society reflected in them. To say that what we see is pathetic is not an
exaggeration. The media are full of stories about murders, thefts, sexual abuses and
other illegal activities. It appears that there has been a deterioration of human values
in our society. How sad it is to read stories about parents killing their own young
children and even grown up children killing their own parents. It is true that such
stories are rare, but we should not hear such stories at all if we are living in a good
society. Such stories indicate that people are living in a state of great mental stress.
One of our main needs in society is to do all that is possible to reduce the level of
mental stress under which people are compelled to live their lives in our society.
In ancient times, especially after Lord Buddha’s visits to Sri Lanka, there is
reason to believe that our society became rich in morals, ethics, good qualities,
manners and discipline. But sad to say after the arrival of Europeans, such as the
Portuguese, Dutch and English our society took a turn for the worse. Gradually the
traditional values of our society began to disappear. There is no doubt that the
introduction of hard liquor or strong alcohol was the single most important factor that
started the moral deterioration of our society. It is true that alcohol was a part of
European way of life and they did not introduce a “poison” to our society which they
themselves avoided. They themselves partook of alcohol and used it as a method of
collecting revenue. But in the process the introduction of alcohol led to great harm to
the way of life and culture of our people. The main religion of the country, namely,
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Buddhism strongly discourages the use of intoxicating substances such as alcohol.
One of the five precepts tells Buddhists to refrain from taking alcohol. In such a
situation, when the government of a country encourages people to take alcohol there
is a serious conflict which cannot do anything but harm to society. It is a reasonable
conclusion that what we are seeing as the problem of alcoholism in our country even
today is the direct outcome of the policy of Europeans to encourage the use of alcohol
by our people.
Fortunately the vast majority of the people of this country did not take up the
habit of using alcohol. The Buddhist monks of our country played an important role in
preaching to the people about the evil effects of alcohol. There were also social
workers and public leaders who worked against the use of alcohol in the country.
History recalls that the first Excise Ordinance in Sri Lanka was introduced in 1912,
that is to say, exactly a century ago. In that very year the Sri Lanka Temperance
Association was formed to combat the evil. This is the Sri Lanka ‘Amadyapa Maha
Sabhawa’. This Association will celebrate its centenary this year.
The new government which came to power in 1977 embarked on a new
economic approach. It opened up the economy to a much greater degree than in the
past. Goods of all kinds were freely allowed to be imported into the country. Among
such goods were alcoholic products. It should be pointed out that the major religion of
the people of this country, namely, Buddhism specifically prohibits the use of all
intoxicating substances including alcoholic products. With the opening up of the
economy these products became freely available. In addition, illegal production of
alcohol also increased in some parts of the country. The result was that alcoholism
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became a major problem in society. It is well known that alcohol has many ill-effects
on the body. First of all, the habitual intake of alcohol has physical effects on the
body. All the organs of the body are affected, especially the liver. The effects of
alcohol on the brain produce mental symptoms. The unsocial behaviour which people
indulge in after consuming alcohol has a very bad influence on family life. The wives
suffer physical mental and even sexual abuse as a result of the excessive intake of
alcohol by their husbands. The education of the children is greatly disrupted by the
alcohol intake of their fathers. The economic wellbeing of the family suffers very
much. When people in the laboring classes whose income is low spend a large part of
their earnings on alcohol the nutrition of the family suffers. Alcoholism also leads to
inefficient work. So production in the country falls and the economy suffers. Thus the
physical, mental, social and economic harm that alcoholism does to the people of the
country is very large. Alcoholism interferes with the economic development of the
country.
At the level of the individual, the effects of alcoholism are very pathetic. Apart
from the damage to the health of the person, the loss of control over their behavior
leads to all kinds of terrible complications. We often say that after taking alcohol,
people behave like animals. But the truth is that animals rarely behave in that manner.
The behavior of people who have taken too much alcohol is much worse than that of
animals in the wild. Some of them become violent. They often end up in the police
station.
It is true to say that the alcohol habit was introduced into our country only
after the European colonization of the country. The Portuguese came in the 16 th
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century and it is well known that they drank a lot of wine. After the Portuguese came
the Dutch who were well known for their fondness of gin and tobacco. The English
who took over the whole country in 1815 encouraged the use of alcohol in the
country. In fact they introduced the Excise Ordinance in 1912. They wanted to collect
revenue for the government by taxing people for the use of alcohol. As already noted
the Sri Lanka Temperance Movement began in that very year1.
Modern life has become very competitive and young people are greatly
stressed. In the struggle for existence, to find relief from stress many people use
alcohol as a kind of drug. In fact in medical science they talk about the non-medical
use of drugs. That is to say the use of drugs for relieving conditions which are not
recognized as diseases. People in the community are in the habit of using some
substances such as alcohol and tobacco and even ganja (cannabis) to obtain some
relief from stress. Such substances are called “soft drugs” by doctors. This is to
distinguish them from “hard drugs” such as heroin and cocaine. Alcohol and tobacco
are among the most widely used soft drugs. And many young people who are under
stress use alcohol to obtain relief from stress.
Severe competition has become a major aspect of modern life. The fact that
both parents have to go to work to earn enough money for the family also contributes
to making the situation very difficult for the whole family and very unfavorable for
children. When father and mother leave the home in the morning at least five days a
week and return after work only late in the evening the children are left to manage
themselves most of the time. In some cases one or the other parent returns home very
1 Interview with Prof. Carlo Fonseka, Chairman, National Authority on Tobacco and Alcohol.
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late in the night after doing overtime. In actual fact either the father or the mother may
have to do night duty as for example in the case of doctors and nurses. In such
situations the children are entrusted to servants. No servant can be expected to look
after other people’s children with the loving tender care that parents devote to their
own children. So children suffer from parental deprivation. This is a very unhealthy
life style for children. And many children go stray as a result of this parental neglect.
When people realize what is happening it is often too late. It is high time that parents
realize that they have to take responsibility for the welfare of their greatest treasure on
earth, namely, their children. This is a necessary first step to save our children from
acquiring bad ways of living including the use of intoxicating substances such as
tobacco and alcohol. Parents and teachers have the duty to tell their children,
especially their teenage sons, the harm that the use and abuse of alcohol can do to
their future lives.
The government of our country has realized that for the development of the
country and the improvement of the health of the people steps must be taken to
control the use of substances such as tobacco and alcohol and heroin. In view of this
the present President of Sri Lanka, during his election campaign for president in 2005
published a manifesto in which he introduced the concept of “mathata thitha”. By this
is meant a “full-stop” to the use of all intoxicating substances by the people of the
country. In 2006, his government introduced The National Authority on Tobacco and
Alcohol Act No.27. By this Act many things have been done to legally control the use
and abuse of alcohol and tobacco2. One provision in the Act (Sec 31) makes it a
punishable offence for anyone to sell any tobacco or alcohol product to persons under
2 Interview with Prof. Carlo Fonseka, Chairman, National Authority on Tobacco and Alcohol.
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21 years of age. Similarly publishing of tobacco or alcohol advertisements is a
punishable offence under section 33. Sponsoring of any tobacco and alcohol product
is also a punishable offence under section 36. Similarly, promotion of any tobacco
and alcohol product is a punishable offence under section 37. In addition smoking in
any enclosed public place is a punishable offence under section 39. By means of this
Act the advertisement of tobacco and alcohol products in the electronic and print
media has been prohibited. Perhaps it is too early to say whether these legal
provisions have been really effective in reducing alcohol and tobacco use. The general
impression is that smoking in public places has become greatly reduced. But there is
no obvious evidence that there has been a reduction in use of alcohol. However the
government has taken a step in the right direction by introducing The National
Authority on Tobacco and Alcohol Act No.27 of 2006.
The alcohol habit is acquired very slowly without the users becoming aware
that they are becoming addicted to the substance. People usually start to use alcohol
by drinking a glass of beer or wine at a party. This often happens when schoolboys in
the upper classes in schools go for “big matches”. Little by little a few of them will
become regular users after they leave school and get employed. The worst outcome of
this habit is seen among the poorer sections of society. Some of them spend almost all
money they earn on tobacco and alcohol. Such people have become addicted to
alcohol. Addiction must be regarded as a disease which requires medical treatment.
As already noted above, it is necessary to treat them because of the physical, mental,
social and economic harm that alcoholism does to society. It is obvious that a country
cannot be developed if many of its citizens are addicted to alcohol. Also, as an
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outcome of alcoholism, motor accidents and acts of violence in society increase. The
question arises as to what society can do to solve this problem. In other words, what is
the solution to the problem of alcoholism in our country?
It is clear that there is no immediate short-term solution to the problem of
alcoholism. The solution has to be a long term one. Many experts with experience in
dealing with the problem of alcoholism are of the opinion that adults who are addicted
to alcohol are not easy to rehabilitate. They feel that society must concentrate on the
younger generation as a first step. This means that the problem of drug abuse in
general and use of alcohol in particular must receive attention in the school
curriculum. Unfortunately our school children are loaded with so much work in their
regular school curriculum that there seems to be little time left for teaching them the
ill-effects of alcohol and tobacco in a systematic way. In this matter much can be done
by the religions of the country to discourage our children from taking to tobacco and
alcohol. The Sunday Schools already play a role in this matter but a more organized
approach to the use and abuse of intoxicating substances must be instituted in schools.
It is well known that governments collect a lot of revenue from alcohol tobacco by
way of taxes. But those who have studied this subject in depth say that the
government spends much more than they collect to treat the illnesses caused by
tobacco and alcohol and the injuries caused by the violence and accidents that occur
due to alcohol use. Another thing the country can do in regard to this matter is to
remind the people of their traditional culture which strongly discourages the use of
alcohol. The government should set an example by not serving liquor at state
functions. I think a strong case can be made for prohibiting the manufacture and
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import of alcohol products over a period of time in gradual stages. The Buddhist
clergy has proposed that the manufacture of alcohol in the country should be reduced
by 5% every year and the import of foreign liquor should also be reduced by 5%
every year. If this policy is implemented the availability of alcohol in the country will
be reduced almost to nothing at the end of about 20 years3. In the meantime the
younger generations must be educated about the need to change their life styles for the
good of their health. Doctors say that the biggest killers in the modern world are the
so-called Non-Communicable Diseases or NCDs. They say that two of the four main
causes of NCDs are tobacco and alcohol. If the younger generation learns this lesson
they are likely to conduct their lives in a more healthy way. Education of children
should concentrate not only on technical subjects but also on teaching children life
skills and healthy living. They must also be taught that for the upliftment of the
society there must be a healthy nation. For building up a healthy nation in a country
which will help to develop the country one of the most important things that can be
done is to take all steps necessary to reduce the use and abuse of alcohol. The law of
the country should be pressed to the service of this objective. If a programme like the
one that has been suggested is implemented there is no doubt that we will have a
happy and peaceful society in our country.
Such a society would be one in which the citizens would be protected from
unhealthy habits. As a result the society will become a highly disciplined one. The
level of morality in the country will be improved. And the same time the country will
become more stable economically, politically and socially. Such a peaceful society is
what all of us dream about. I hope it will become a reality in my life time. For that to
3 Interview with Prof. Carlo Fonseka, Chairman, National Authority on Tobacco and Alcohol.
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happen all of us will have to work very honestly and sincerely to achieve our
objective. In the long run it is our children who will reap the rewards of our efforts.
They will bless us for building for them such a society where they can live in peace
without fear.
1.2 WHAT IS ALCOHOLISM?
There are number of definitions of alcoholism and alcoholic. According to one
definition, “an alcoholic is a person who suffers from alcoholism – the body is
dependent on alcohol. An alcoholic is addicted to alcohol. Alcoholism is a chronic
disease. People who suffer from alcoholism are obsessed with alcohol and cannot
control how much they consume, even if it is causing serious problems at home,
work, and financially”4. According to another definition, “alcoholism is a progressive
disease that impairs the psychological, emotional, and physical health of both
alcoholic and his family. Alcoholism has been labeled as a “family disease” because
its effects lead to dysfunctional roles and behaviors of the alcoholic and their family
members”5. It is clear from these definitions that alcoholism is a disease which occurs
due to the abuse of alcohol. In Sri Lanka alcoholism has become a major problem.
Most of the people seem to think that taking alcohol is a fashionable thing to do. But
when they begin to suffer from the terrible effects of alcoholism, it is often too late to
escape from its consequences. People say that they take alcohol for various reasons.
Some take it to overcome tiredness. Some take it for pleasure. Others seem to need
some alcohol in order to have a good argument. If freely available many people take
alcohol to forget their life’s problems. Many people take alcohol only because their
4 http://www.medicalnewstoday.com5 http://health.uml.edu/thc/HealthIssues/AlcoholismFamilyEffects/default.html
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friends do so. Thus they take alcohol to maintain the company of their friends. It is
difficult to avoid the impression that taking alcohol has become a new trend in
society. Nowadays it is very difficult to attend a function which is alcohol free. No
party seems to be complete or enjoyable if alcoholic drinks are not served. It is true to
say that many people who are non-drinkers, are compelled to take a drink when they
attend a party. This conclusion has been established by many research studies. To
give one example, according to Prof. Diyanath Samarasinghe, “the degree to which
alcohol is ‘integrated’ into social activities influences the amount of alcohol
consumed. In some societies, most social occasions are alcohol-using occasions”6.
Needless to say, such practices tend to spread the alcohol habit in society. Some
people seem to think that taking alcohol is a symbol of strength. What such people
don’t realize is that they have been fooled by promoters of alcohol. When they
become addicted to alcohol they cannot do without it, like a patient taking medicine
for a serious disease. They cannot live without alcohol. They need alcohol when they
wake up in the morning. They need alcohol when having their meals. They need
alcohol before going to sleep. In this way an alcohol addict’s life will go from bad to
worse by the day.
Persons who become addicted to alcohol could come from any social group of
society. They may be respectable married people with children and relations. Sadly as
a person becomes addicted to alcohol his family and social relationships begin to
suffer. In the case of married couples, the partner of the addict is the one who suffers
most. The partner, almost always the wife of the alcoholic, may feel disgusted of
married life. She indulges in self-pity. She begins to avoid friends of the family. She
6 Diyanath Samarasinghe, Strategies to Address Alcohol Problems, Pg 41
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often feels tired, physically exhausted and emotionally stressed. On top of all this the
responsibility for running the family falls on this non-alcoholic partner. She has to
look after the children. But this becomes increasingly difficult. In addition financial
difficulties begin to surface. This is because the addict’s alcoholic habit consumes a
large part of the family’s income. Needless to say alcoholism has the potential to
impact on various aspects of social lives in a very serious and pathetic way.
The aim of this research is to focus on “Alcoholism and Its Impact on Family
Issues in Urban Society”. The study has been undertaken partly because alcoholism
has become a serious threat to society. It will focus in particular on the way
alcoholism brings about the issues of family life in urban society.
1.3 AIM
The aim of this research is to study some aspects of the harm caused by
alcoholism and its effect on family issues in urban society.
1.4 RESEARCH PROBLEM
The problem this research seeks to solve is the question whether alcoholism
has an adverse or negative impact on family issues.
1.5 OBJECTIVES
1.5.1 General objective
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To determine the extent to which alcoholism and its adverse
and negative effects has on family issues.
1.5.2 Significant objectives
1.5.2.1 To clarify the understanding regarding what alcoholism and
alcohol addiction actually are.
1.5.2.2 To determine the ultimate effect of alcoholism on the
individual.
1.5.2.3 To seek knowledge on how to overcome alcoholism.
1.6 RESEARCH HYPOTHESIS
The hypotheses this study sets out to establish are the following.
1.6.1 Alcoholism has an adverse impact on family life and
contributes to family issues.
1.6.2 Alcoholism has a negative impact on family life and
contributes to family issues.
1.7 DEFINITION OF UNFAMILIAR TERMS
1.7.1 ADIC - Alcohol and Drug Information Centre
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1.7.2 NATA - National Authority on Tobacco and Alcohol
1.7.3 NCDs - Non-Communicable Diseases
1.7.4 WHO - World Health Organization
1.7.5 DCSL - Distilleries Company of Sri Lanka
1.8 SCOPE OF THE STUDY
This research attempts to identify alcoholism and its impact on family issues
in urban society. Alcoholism is an accelerating process that damages the physical,
emotional and physical health of the drinker and his or her family. Moreover this
research will scrupulously examine what has happened during last decade to the
individual and the urban community on account of alcoholism.
CHAPTER TWO
LITERATURE REVIEW
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In this research study, alcoholism and its impact on family issues in urban
society is discussed. Alcoholism is seen to have a major impact on the world.
Alcoholism is found to be an accelerating process that damages the physical,
emotional and physical health of the drinker and his or her family.
It is well to begin the literature review by noting a remark made by R Wilmot:
“It is popularly believed that consumption of intoxicants can induce a variety of
beneficial feelings and behaviors, such as a good mood, a feeling of well-being,
increased self-confidence and sociability. There are also descriptions of heavenly
experiences where colours appear to be more vivid”7. Although this may be a popular
belief, the evidence is that it is a grossly mistaken one. In general as we all know
alcoholism has negative effects on the Sri Lankan economy, society and culture. Not
only Sri Lanka but also the whole international community is badly affected by the
abuse of alcohol resulting in alcoholism. Some problems associated with alcoholism,
such as domestic violence, lack of attention to children, malnutrition among infants
and dependants, rowdy behavior on the roads, low birth weight, injuries, lack of
savings and indebtedness, poor living conditions, loss of lives, litigation and criminal
costs, loss of time and money, lost productivity and divorce come to mind at random.
This situation can be described as a disease which runs through all the members of the
family and affects each of them differently.
2.1 ALCOHOL CONSUMPTION IN SRI LANKA
When it comes to alcohol consumption, the World Health Organization reports
that alcohol is a greater contribution than tobacco to lost years of able or productive
7 Wilmot. R. Euphoria. Journal of drug issues. 15: 155-191 (1985)
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life (WHO 1999). The World Health Assembly in 2004 referred to alcohol related
harm in its ‘Resolution on Health Promotion and Healthy Lifestyles’ (WHO 2004).
This is true about the consumption of alcohol in the whole world. The diagram below
shows alcohol consumption in Sri Lanka in year 2000 and 2009.
Figure 2.1 – Alcohol Consumption in Sri Lanka
“The (legal alcohol) industry contributed around Rs. 23 billion in 2007 and Rs.
27 billion in 2008 as excise tax. It has been estimated that there are over 200,000
illicit brew retailers, compared to the 3,200 licensed retail shops (wine stores) in Sri
Lanka”8. From statements below, we can conclude that alcoholism has a major
impact on Sri Lanka.
“According to official statistics, the highest number of drug dependants is in
the age group between 20 and 45, and last year alone, they made up nearly 80% of the
total of 2,411 seeking treatment at the rehabilitation centers”9.
8 http://indi.ca/2011/07/alcohol-consumption-in-sri-lanka/9 Society’s living dead, The Sunday Times, 30.10.2011 page 14.
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“There are 350 deaths happening per day in Sri Lanka due to alcohol related
diseases”10. These statements show the great consumption of alcohol in Sri Lanka.
2.2 HOW ALCOHOLISM AFFECTS THE INDIVIDUAL
When discussing alcoholism and its impact on family breakdown it is
important to discuss how this alcoholism affects the individual. “Alcoholism can
affect the individual in many ways, ranging from relatively minor consequences to
incapacitation and even death at the other end of the extreme. The disease potentially
affects everything in a person’s life, as the consequences of drinking snowball into
bigger and bigger problems. There is a definite sense of progression with the effects
that alcoholism has on an individual. Over the long run, things always get
worse….never better”11. This statement shows that there are many ways an individual
is affected by alcoholism. There are minor consequences as well as major ones
including even death. Alcohol can ruin the drinkers’ lives in dreadful ways. Health
problems, broken marriages, nights in jail, financial problems, drunk driving are some
of ways that alcohol affects individual. Alcohol can destroy an individual
emotionally, socially, spiritually, physically and mentally.
Alcoholism affects an individual life in many ways as well as society as a
whole. “Any and all of the negative consequences attributed to drinking: drunk
driving accidents, accidental deaths, overdoses, missed days of work, lost jobs, broken
homes, broken marriages, the cost of the booze itself, the potential years of life lost
for each alcoholic, and on and on and on”12. In a broad way alcoholism affects society
10 Health Minister Maithreepala Sirisena – Lakbima 05.10.2010 page 1211 http://www.spiritualriver.com/effects-of-alcoholism/12 http://www.spiritualriver.com/effects-of-alcoholism/
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in ways such as litigation and criminal cost, lost time and money, lost lives, lost
productivity, broken homes and families.
2.3 HOW ALCOHOLISM AFFECTS TO THE FAMILY
Alcohol addiction is a sort of “family cancer” because it impairs the roles and
ways of life of the whole family. Alcohol affects every member of the family from
unborn children to the drinker’s life’s partner. “There is documented evidence
globally that children suffer in a variety of ways in the hands of alcohol abusing
parents. These affect their roles, rituals, routines, social life, finances, communication,
and lead to conflict”13. Its pervasive effects result not only in physical problems to the
drinker; but also may result in natural and physical issues for other members of the
family. Dealing with the problem of alcoholism is a complex matter and is often is not
successful. Even if the drinker himself finally overcomes his problem, and makes
amends, the family members who were affected may not themselves ever recover
fully from the damage they suffered from the drinker’s addiction to alcohol. Most of
the researchers found an adverse impact of alcoholism on families. The statements
quoted below shows the gravity of the problem. “The prevalence of alcohol
consumption is highest in Sri Lanka. According to a survey conducted in 11 districts
in Sri Lanka in 2002-2003, 20% of the sample consumed alcohol more than twice a
week – with 8% using it daily. The research found that highest proportions of regular
drinkers were those least educated. The fact that some men indicating that their
expense on alcohol being above their income is also significant, considering its
13 Velleman, R and Orford, J. (1993a) The importance of family discord in explaining childhood problems in the children of problem drinkers, Addiction Research, no. 1, pp 39-57.
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impact on families and children”14. It is clear that least educated people tend to drink
alcohol daily. The education level has become the main factor driving people to get
addicted to alcohol. These are some direct effects of alcoholism on families.
“1. Alienates children – kids take it the hardest, because they don’t
know if the “switch has been flipped or not” with their alcoholic
parent. Living this way has a negative effect on grades, social skills,
and just about every other aspect of a child’s life.
2. Perpetuates abuse – well known and well documented. What
might be understated is the amount of verbal abuse that is simply “put
up with.”
3. Divorce.
4. Worse than divorce in some cases – the family holds together
despite the dysfunction and potentially passes the disease on to others.
Consider that children of an alcoholic parent are 4 times more likely to
become alcoholics themselves.
5. For young addicts and alcoholics, they have proven that group
therapy is worse than no therapy at all, but family therapy has shown
some degree of promise. This points to the fact that addiction is a
family disease and needs to be treated as such in most cases”15.
14 Baklien B, Samarasinghe D. Alcohol and Poverty in Sri Lanka. Oslo, FORUT, 2003.15http://www.spiritualriver.com/effects-of-alcoholism/
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From the above mentioned facts we can see how alcoholism affects families.
Children become alienated from others. Divorce occurs commonly. As mentioned
above there is a higher chance of children of alcoholic parents becoming an alcoholic.
Parents’ drunkenness has a dreadful impact on children. Children of alcoholic
parents may face various types of harassments. “Most of children who are affected by
various types of harassments by these types of parents have common syndromes like
low self-esteem, feelings of helplessness, guilt, loneliness, chronic depression, and
fears of abandonment. In the worst cases, they might start to imagine themselves as
the main reason for the addiction for alcohol by their parents”16. This statement shows
how alcoholism affects children. In this kind of situation children lose their childhood.
They always feel that they are different from other children. They always see their
father and mother fighting, shouting at each other. They cannot share problems with
parents. They cannot spend even a single second with their parents. In this situation
there is no one to look after their educational activities, their needs and wants. They
behave in school in a different manner. Sometimes they tend to lie, fight, steal and
play truant. They don’t know how to behave in proper manner.
2.4 HOW ALCOHOLISM AFFECTS THE ECONOMY
Let us see how alcoholism affects the economy. There are a number of
patients suffering from alcohol related diseases. Usually the government has to treat
16 http://allpsych.com/journal/alcoholism.html
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these patients. According to the health ministry, “Government earns 12% of its
income from the tobacco and alcohol taxes. But government spends 22% of its
expenditure to treat patients with illnesses due to use of tobacco and alcohol”17. We
can imagine the number of people suffering with diseases caused by addiction to
alcohol. There is much evidence that government incurs a lot of expense in treating
alcoholic patients. The Health Ministry says that, “Rupees 7500 million have been
reserved yearly for medicine, out of which 350 million rupees are spent on kidney
patients. Tobacco and alcohol use has been a causal factor in these patients”18.
2.5 PROMOTING OF ALCOHOL
The other major problem regarding alcoholism is the active promotion of
alcohol use among the people. There are number of alcohol producing companies in
Sri Lanka. They include Carlsberg Brewers, Lion Brewers, Three Coin Beer Co.,
Distilleries Company of Sri Lanka (DCSL), Percyle International (Investment of
Seagram’s of India) and many other importers. These companies apply powerful
marketing strategies to promote alcohol use in society. When it comes to direct
marketing we can see the use of print media and websites for promoting alcohol
consumption. Indirect promotion is carried out through the electronic media and
giving sponsorships to youth activities. “The Impact of promotions on youth is
alarming. The production of beer has increased dramatically between the year 1996
and 2000 (Exercise Department Statistics). This is largely due to the reduction in price
and the amount of advertising done regarding beer within that period. The total
alcohol production, which was 22,500,000 liters in the year 2000, is consumed
17 Divaina 28.11.2006 page 0318 Health ministry, Divaina 28.11.2006 page 3
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locally. The production of ‘Lion’ beer doubled in the year 1998/1999.Alcohol use in
Sri Lanka has shown steady increase from December 1998 to July 2001”. (ADIC Spot
Survey) In this era the following has been documented in Sri Lanka.
Currently, 1/3rd of the family income is used on alcohol.
The number of cases of those hospitalized on Alcohol Psychosis,
Alcohol Dependence and Alcohol withdrawal has increased by 4436
cases from 1998 to 1999. (Ministry of Health)
The number of those hospitalized due to chronic liver disease was
1816 in 1999 as opposed to 1069 in 1989. (Ministry of Health)
Detections of driving under the influence of alcohol were 8.86 per cent
in 1990 but had increased to 20.75 in 1993. ( Department of Traffic
Police)
This shows how promoting of alcohol is affecting Sri Lankan society as well
as the economy.
“A research has found (done in 2002 January to March) that three television
channels have telecast alcohol and tobacco advertisements during 27 programs within
47 minutes and 11 seconds”19. Today we can see that most of the television programs
such as local films, English films, Indian Films, Tamil films advertise alcohol. Not
only television programs. If there is a youth activity most of the alcohol brewers tend
to give sponsorships. These things tend directly to increase alcohol consumption in
Sri Lanka.
19 Media Research - ADIC
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The following are some examples for the promoting of alcohol related
products.
Youth events
Local soap operas on television
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Local films on television
English films on television
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Indian films on television
2.6 HOW TO PREVENT ALCOHOL USE
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According to the Alcohol and Drug Information Center, there are a number
of reasons for the influence of drinking alcohol. Some of them are as follows.
I. Beliefs and opinions of peer groups, when they start consuming
alcohol.
Ex :- Pleasure For cold
Forget Problems Given on credit
Reduce tiredness Freely available
Others are drinking
II. Let drinkers to do anything as they wish. Giving special privileges
to people who are drunk. When a drinker did some unnecessary
activity, people excuse them because he is drunk. “Privileges given
to those who have consumed alcohol are many. We will notice
more of these, as we become more sensitive to them. Removing
unfair privileges removes one factor that promotes alcohol
consumption and heavier consumption”20.
III. Making the environment for drinkers to drink comfortably.
Ex: - Keeping ash trays.
Complimenting drinkers when they dance.
Arranging chairs to drinkers.
Arranging special bites for drinkers.
IV. “Boys should drink”, “Alcohol is a must for a party”, “To have fun
alcohol is a must”….etc. In this way alcohol has become a symbol
of a party, fun, day to day activities.
20 Diyanath Samarasinghe, Strategies to Address Alcohol Problems, Page 34.
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V. Sponsorships of products marketing companies.
VI. Introducing alcohol in dramas, movies and paper articles.
The above mentioned reasons for drinking habits can be reduced by the
following activities.
I. Educating the people about the real bad feelings that occur when
alcohol is consumed. (side effects such as headaches, restlessness)
II. Should not provide any assistance to people who are drunk. They
should be ignored as much as possible.
III. Always try to condemn alcoholics and make them feel that they are
set of people who don’t get any respect from society.
IV. Not to believe unnecessary myths.
Ex: - To overcome tiredness, one should consume alcohol.
Those who cannot consume arrack should be introduce to
beer.
V. Not to provide special arrangements, in the venues where people
get together to consume alcohol.
VI. Special attention to be given and trying to avoid them and making
others aware of them.
VII. Reject and be aware of the tele-dramas/films/paper advertisements,
which promote alcohol.
VIII. Try to give more publicity to the general public about the real
behavior of alcoholics such as always quarreling with weak people.
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Ex: - Always trying to keep away from strong rough people
such as police and threatening weak people.
Always damaging others valuable belongings at home.
CHAPTER THREE
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RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
3.1 FIELD OF STUDY
When collecting information related to alcoholism I selected drug information
centers and rehabilitation centers which are located in the Colombo district. I selected
130 samples consisting of ten people from each of the 13 divisional secretariats of the
Colombo district. As part of the study I interviewed senior project officers of ADIC
(Alcohol and drug information centre) and Mel Madura of Sri Lanka Sumithrayo and
the Chairman of the NATA.
The Alcohol and Drug Information Centre (ADIC) was established in 1984 as
an independent organization. Today ADIC has become a well-recognized national
resource centre. It is concerned with promoting drug demand reduction and
development of innovative strategies to reduce the use of especially dangerous drugs
such as heroin.
Mel Medura of Sri Lanka Sumithrayo is a rehabilitation centre. The main goal
of this organization is to help drug addicts to overcome it. They are carry out
programs to integrate rehabilitated addicts in society and to improve the quality of
their lives.
The National Authority on Tobacco and Alcohol was established by Act
No.27 of 2006. It focuses on reducing tobacco and alcohol use in the country.
3.2 ORGANIZATION OF THE RESEARCH PAPER
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3.2.1 The first chapter provides a detailed introduction, aim, the research
problem, hypothesis, objectives, and scope of the study.
3.2.2 The second chapter discuss the literature review of the study.
3.2.3 The third chapter sets out the research methodology, the way of data
collection, the data collection methods, population and limitations of the
study.
3.2.4 The fourth chapter presence an analysis of the data collected in the
study.
3.2.5 Chapter five summarizes the findings, conclusion and
recommendations of the study. Chapter six presence the bibliography.
3.3 LIMITATIONS
2.6.1 In this research I am not going to discuss the divorces due to
alcoholism.
2.6.2 Main attention is given to region of Colombo.
2.6.3 Because of difficulties in finding the past data regarding incidence I
discuss only effects of alcoholism and its impact on family issues during the
past decades.
3.4 TYPES OF DATA
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Both primary and secondary data sources were used to achieve the objectives
of this research.
3.5 PRIMARY DATA
To collect primary data from the samples, I used the interview method with a
questionnaire. This questionnaire was specifically design by me under the guidance of
my directing staff.
3.6 SECONDARY DATA
Statistical data from ADIC (Alcohol and Drug Information Centre) and Mel
Madura Sri Lanka Sumithrayo, news papers, books and recommended websites
related to alcoholism were referred in order to collect the secondary data.
3.7 DATA COLLECTION METHODS
3.7.1 QUESTIONNAIRE
To collect primary data from the samples, I used questionnaires in both
Sinhala and English language on a confidential basis. The questionnaire consisted of
twelve questions which focused on demographic and statistical factors consecutively.
Questions number one to six and the last question were designed to be applicable to
both alcohol users and non users.
3.7.2 INDIRECT INTERVIEW
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Indirect interviews were conducted with senior project officers of ADIC
(Alcohol and Drug Information Centre), Mel Madura Sri Lanka Sumithrayo and the
Chairman of NATA.
3.8 POPULATION
The population of this study was 2,251,274 people (according to 2001 census)
among Colombo district which consisted of:
Sinhalese 1,724,459 (76.6%)
Sri Lankan Tamil 247,739 (11%)
Sri Lankan Moor 202,731 (9.01%)
Indian Tamil 24,821 (1.1%)
Burgher 15,703 (0.7%)
Sri Lankan Malay 21,778 (0.97%)
Other 14,043 (0.62%)
The Population Distribution of Colombo District is shown below in Figure
3.1.
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Sinhalese
Sri Lankan Tamil
Sri Lankan Moor
Indian Tamil
Burgher
Sri Lankan Malay
Other
Figure 3.1 – Population Distribution of Colombo District
3.9 SAMPLE
The technique of random sample was used. In this research 130 people from
13 Divisional Secretariats were selected. The entire samples are males and their age
was above 15 years. The sample distribution is shown below in Figure 3.2.
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Figure 3.2 – Sample Distribution
Colombo Divisional Secretariat 10
Dehiwala Divisional Secretariat 10
Homagama Divisional Secretariat 10
Kaduwela Divisional Secretariat 10
Kesbewa Divisional Secretariat 10
Kolonnawa Divisional Secretariat 10
Kotte Divisional Secretariat 10
Maharagama Divisional Secretariat 10
Moratuwa Divisional Secretariat 10
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Padukka Divisional Secretariat 10
Ratmalana Divisional Secretariat 10
Seethawaka Divisional Secretariat 10
Thimbirigasyaya Divisional Secretariat 10
3.10 DATA PRESENTATION TOOLS
Figures, tables and descriptive methods were used to present the findings of
this research study.
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CHAPTER FOUR
DATA ANALYSIS
Questionnaires were used to collect the information. The questions asked were
straight forward and easy to comprehend. A total number of 130 people were
interviewed. All were male. The age of the respondents was 15 years and above. The
sample distribution is shown in Table 4.1.
Divisional
Secretarial
Age Percentage
%15 - 24 25 – 40 41 – 55 55 above
Colombo4
(40%)
4
(40%)
1
(10%)
1
(10%)
10
(100%)
Dehiwala1
(10%)
4
(40%)
3
(30%)
2
(20%)
10
(100%)
Homagama -7
(70%)
3
(30%)-
10
(100%)
Kaduwela1
(10%)
7
(70%)
1
(10%)
1
(10%)
10
(100%)
Kesbewa1
(10%)
6
(60%)
2
(20%)
1
(10%)
10
(100%)
Kolonnawa3
(30%)
4
(40%)
2
(20%)
1
(10%)
10
(100%)
Kotte1
(10%)
5
(50%)
3
(30%)
1
(10%)
10
(100%)
Maharagama5
(50%)
5
(50%)- -
10
(100%)
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Moratuwa1
(10%)
5
(50%)
4
(40%)-
10
(100%)
Padukka1
(10%)
9
(90%)- -
10
(100%)
Ratmalana2
(20%)
7
(70%)
1
(10%)-
10
(100%)
Seethawaka1
(10%)
7
(70%)
2
(20%)-
10
(100%)
Thimbirigasyay
a
1
(10%)
8
(80%)
1
(10%)-
10
(100%)
Total22
(17%)
78
(60%)
23
(17.6%)
7
(5.4%)
130
(100%)
Table 4.1 – Sample distribution
4.1 DEMOGRAPHIC INFORMATION
The demographic information included the age distribution, level of education
and employment status.
4.1.1 AGE DISTRIBUTION
The age distribution of the sample population is shown in Figure 4.1. 17%
(22) of the sample population belonged to the age range 15-24 years. 60% (78) of the
sample population belonged to the age range 25-40 years. 18% (23) of the sample
population belonged to the age range 41-55 years and 5% (7) to the age range of 55
years and above.
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Figure 4.1 – Age Distribution
4.1.2 LEVEL OF EDUCATION
Level of education is shown in Table 4.2. The highest percentage on the level
of education was on the ordinary level and above (93.8 %).
Level of Education Percentage
Grade 1 - 4 0
Grade 5 - 9 6.2%
Ordinary Level and Above 93.8%
Table 4.2 – Level of Education
4.1.3 INCOME LEVEL
The highest percentage (40.8%) of respondents stated that their income is
above Rs. 20,000. Income level is shown in Table 4.3.
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17%
60%
18%5%
15-24 25-40 41-55 55 above
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Table 4.3 – Level of Income
4.1.4 EMPLOYMENT STATUS
Employment status was analyzed on the basis of Government Sector, Private
Sector, Self Employed, Armed Forces and Others. The highest percentage is from the
Private Sector (42%) while the lowest percentage is from Armed Forces (1.5%). 7
(5.4%) respondents have declared that they don’t have an employment. This is shown
in Table 4.4.
Table 4.4 – Employment Status
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Income level Percentage
Below 5,000 6.2%
5,000 – 10,000 13%
10,000 – 20,000 40%
20,000 above 40.8%
Employment Status Frequency Percentage
Government Sector 12 9.2%
Private Sector 55 42.3%
Self Employed 26 20%
Armed Forces 2 1.5%
Others 28 21.6%
Non employed 7 5.4%
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4.2 CURRENT USERS
Current users were assessed on the basis of their alcohol use within the
previous month. According to the responses, it was found that 112 (86%) used
alcohol, while 18 (14%) did not use alcohol. This is shown in Figure 4.2.
86%
14%
Yes No
Figure 4.2 - Current users of Alcohol
4.2.1 CURRENT ALCOHOL USE – AGE DISTRIBUTION
The current alcohol users were further analyzed. According to the responses,
the highest response on current alcohol use was from the age category of 25-40
(60%); the lowest response was from the age category of 55 years and above (8%).
This is shown in Figure 4.3.
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15-24 25-40 41-55 55 above0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
20%
60%
13%7%
Figure 4.3 – Current users of alcohol (Age distribution)
4.2.2 CURRENT ALCOHOL USE – EDUCATION LVEL
The frequency of alcohol use was further analyzed according to the level of
education. The highest responses (75) on current alcohol use were from the education
level of grade 5 - 9. The lowest responses (37) were from the education level of
ordinary level and above. This is shown in Figure 4.4.
Grade 1 - 4 Grade 5 - 9 O/L and Above0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
0
75
37
Figure 4.4 – Current alcohol use (Level of Education)
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4.2.3 CURRENT ALCOHOL USE – INCOME LEVEL
The frequency of alcohol use was further analyzed according to the income
level. The highest alcohol users (47) are in the income range of above 20,000. The
lowest users (9) are in the range of below 5000. This is shown in figure 4.5.
Below 5,000 5,000 - 10,000 10,000 - 20,000 Above 20,000
913
43
47
Figure 4.5 – Current alcohol use (Income Level)
4.3 FREQUENCY OF ALCOHOL USE
The frequency of alcohol use was analyzed on the basis of whether it was
Daily, Once or Twice a week, Weekends, Once a month and Only Special Occasions
basis. The highest percentage of alcohol use was visible at weekends 37 (33%) while
the lowest percentage was in the once a month group 13 (12%). This is shown in
Figure 4.6.
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13%
18%
33%
12%
24%
Daily
Once or Twice a week
Week ends
Once a month
Only Special Oc-casions
Figure 4.6 – Frequency of alcohol use
The frequency of alcohol use was further analyzed according to the age range.
Alcohol use was high in the range of 25-40 at the weekends 22 with compared to
alcohol use at weekends in the age range of 15-24, 41-55 and 55 above. Alcohol use
was high 14 in the range of 25-40 on only special occasion basis than in the other
three groups. This is shown in Figure 4.7.
15-24 25-40 41-55 55 above0
5
10
15
20
25
1
12
1 12
11
4 46
22
53
68
20
7
14
2 1
Daily Once or Twice a Week Weekends
Once a month Only Special Occasions
Figure 4.7 – Frequency of alcohol use (Age Distribution)
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4.4 FEELINGS AFTER USE OF ALCOHOL
Feelings after use of alcohol was analyzed on the basis of whether they were
Calm, Aggressive, Happy, Sad, Feel uncomfortable and Feeling comfortable. The
highest percentage of alcohol use was visible as being happy 61% (68 responses)
while the lowest percentage was in Aggressive group 4% (5 responses). No one
reported that they felt sad. This is shown in Figure 4.8.
Calm
Aggressive
Happy
Sad
Feel uncomfortable
Feel comfortable
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70%
20%
4%
61%
0%
7%
8%
Figure 4.8 – Feelings after alcohol use
4.5 REASONS FOR CONSUMING ALCOHOL
This research focused on the reasons for consuming alcohol. Among the
reasons given for using of alcohol, the majority (43%) stated that they use alcohol for
pleasure, while a very low percentage (1%) stated that they use alcohol because it is
given on credit. No one reported that they consume alcohol because they felt cold.
This is shown in Figure 4.9.
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For Pleasure
For Cold
To Overcome Tiredness
Freely Available
Forget Problems
Given On Credit
Others are Drinking
0% 5% 10%15%20%25%30%35%40%45%50%
0.43
0.3571
0.0178
0.0803
0.00890000000000002
0.0982000000000001
Figure 4.9 – Reasons for Consuming Alcohol
4.6 RELATIONSHIP WITH WIFE, CHILDREN AND FAMILY
RELATIONS
This research also focused on the relationship with the wife, children and
family relations after consuming alcohol.
78%
22%
Unhappy
Not worry
Figure 4.10 – Relationship with Wife
78% of them stated that their wives are not happy with their drinking and they
have issues with their wives.
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66%
34%
Unhappy
Not worry
Figure 4.11 – Relationship with children
66% of them stated that their children are not happy with their drinking and
they have issues with their children.
56%
44%Harmed
Improved
Figure 4.12 – Relationship with family relations
56% of them stated that their relationship with family relations is harmed
because of their drinking and they are always ignoring him.
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4.7 OPINION ABOUT ALCOHOL USE
Opinion about alcohol use was analyzed on the following basis.
It is bad for society
It is good for society
It should be freely available
It should be prohibited
Drinking in a crowd is a sign of strength
Drinking in a crowd is not a sign of strength
Responses to this question are shown in Figure 4.13.
58%
1%
12%
3%
27% Bad for Society
Good for Society
Should be Freely Available
Should be Prohibited
Drinking in a crowd is sign of strenth
Drinking in a crowd is not a sign of strenth
Figure 4.13 – Opinion about alcohol use
The highest percentage (58%) stated that consuming alcohol is bad for the society. No
one stated that consuming alcohol is good for the society. 3 respondents refused to
answer this question. 11% stated that alcohol should prohibited.
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4.8 HOW TO PREVENT AND REDUCE THE ADDICTION TO
ALCOHOL
Consider alcohol prevention. This can be described as prevention of alcohol
usage among youngsters/children groups. “As a general rule, if less people drink
alcohol there will be fewer problems. And if each drinker drinks less alcohol there
will be fewer problems for the drinker. Alcohol related problems in a society decline
when the average individual consumption of alcohol in that society comes down. How
young people see alcohol and alcohol use influences their interest in trying out. It also
influences how they interpret their own alcohol experience, when they start to use it.
Young person’s expecting to feel good, or light-headed, or free of inhibitions, are
likely to experience exactly these things when they feel any effect of alcohol. So the
important factors that make alcohol use appear attractive are:
-the way alcohol is seen and talked about in society and portrayed in
the mass media,
-the symbolic meanings attached to alcohol use and its various forms,
-the expectation of pleasure
-the behaviors that are associated with alcohol use and intoxication,
-the negative image attached to non-use of light alcohol use
Many of these are generated, reinforced and spread by the mass media. The
power of an individual community to reduce the attractiveness of the image of alcohol
is therefore limited. As the range of social events that include alcohol as an essential
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component increases, the consumption of alcohol is likely to go up too. And greater
the consumption of alcohol, greater the extent of alcohol-related problems”21.
There are three main ways to prevent alcohol consumption among
youngsters/children. They are,
a. Prevention of drinking habits. (In reality what is happening is people
are forced to drink because of many reasons)
b. Reduce drinking quantities.
c. Reduce selling. (more restrictions on sales of alcohol)
From the above mentioned facts the most important fact is “prevention of
drinking habits”. When taking action to prevent drinking habits, there is a possibility
of reduction in drinking and selling alcohol too. To prevent drinking habits, first of all
it is a must to find out the reasons why people are induced into alcoholism. After that
necessary actions should be taken to reduce the reasons and their effects.
According to the data collected from Alcohol and Drug Information Center,
there are some matters we should not do when preventing usage of alcohol. They are
as follows,
Things you shouldn’t do Why you shouldn’t do
Don’t say “no” This will increase the curiosity and try to
practice
Shouldn’t be frightened Being frightened and accepting challenges
will make them think it is a great
achievement. Try to show off, that they are
even willing to die without any fear
21 Diyanath Samarasinghe, Strategies to Address Alcohol problems, Pg 27 to Pg 41.
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Saying “You will get sick” Everybody knows that
To introduce nice set of words To cover up side effects
Make aware the content of alcohol It will increase only the knowledge
A world without alcohol Message is not clear
Not to organize campaigns, such as
“Walks”
Waste of time
Organizing Conferences Will not listen
Organizing symposia such as essay
writing / oral contests/drawing
competitions
Has an effect only among the participants.
Most of the time usage will popularize.
Will have no effect on users
Table 4.5 - Matters we should not do when preventing usage of alcohol
We should not cover up the real unpleasant feelings when consuming alcohol.
We have to show them the reality of using alcohol.
E.g.:- Beer/ Arrack/ illicit liquor
-Bad smell/ Bitter taste/ Burning sensation/ Headaches/ Redness of the
eyes/ Vomiting/ Unfitness.
An alcoholic can be identified easily, by the appearance of a person. We
should not allow to cover up the bad side of the usage of alcohol. Following signs can
be observed among the people, who consume alcohol,
-Eyes are reddish.
-Shrink Face muscles
-Older look.
-People look ugly even after spending. We feel very sorry about them.
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Nowadays most of the people think that drinking person is the real hero. We
should stop making heroes, of those who consume alcohol. We should show the
reality of drinking to others.
-Will show others that they always live in discomfort.
-Will sympathize the people, who consume arrack.
-Will identify with the media advertising campaigns and make them
feel that they love the youngsters of the country.
-We will get the maximum support from the people who are attached
to alcohol manufacturing companies, to prevent usage of alcohol
among the youngsters.
-Always try to prevent the usage of alcohol.
-Maximum efforts have to be taken to prevent usage of alcohol.
By the systematic use of all these methods appropriately a real impact can be
made on the problem of alcoholism in the country. But this will require commitment
of a high degree on the part of all workers in the field because the alcohol industry is
very powerful, rich and amoral about the methods it uses to promote and market its
deadly products.
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CHAPTER FIVE
6.1 FINDINGS
6.1.1 From my findings, I find that 86% (112 respondents) of the sample
population use alcohol.
6.1.2 When we consider the age groups, between 25-40 years are the highest
users of alcohol. When it comes to the percentage it is 60%.
6.1.3 There are 66 (59%) respondents among alcohol users, who stated that
they consume alcohol for pleasure. 40 (36%) of the respondents stated that
they consume alcohol to overcome tiredness.
6.1.4 57% of the sample population accepts that it is bad for the society. No
one said that it brings any good to society. 27% of the sample population
stated that drinking in a crowd is not a sign of strength. 12% of them stated
that alcohol should be prohibited.
6.1.5 Among alcohol users, the highest percentage (33%) of respondents are
using alcohol during the weekends. There are only 13 (12%) respondents who
use alcohol once a month. 13% of the alcohol users consume alcohol daily.
6.1.6 67% of the respondents stated that they feel happy when they consume
alcohol. 20% of the respondents stated that they become calm after consuming
alcohol. 4% of the respondents stated that they become aggressive when they
consume alcohol. 7% of them stated that they feel uncomfortable after
consuming alcohol.
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6.1.7 Among the respondents who consume alcohol, 78% of them stated that
their wives are not happy with their drinking and they have issues with their
wives. 66% of them stated that their children are not happy with their drinking
and they have issues with their children. 56% of them stated that their
relationship with family relations is harmed because of their drinking and they
are always ignoring him.
One of the hypotheses of this research was that alcoholism has an adverse
impact on family life and contributes to family issues. From the summary of findings
of the research set out above its claimed that the hypothesis of the research has been
proved.
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6.2 RECOMMENDATIONS
6.2.1 Make users of alcohol aware of the dire consequences of becoming
addicted to alcohol and that alcoholism ruins their lives and wastes their
money in a meaningless harmful way.
6.2.2 Attempt to change their attitude to alcoholism and try to reduce the
number of people who use alcohol.
6.2.3 Include in the school syllabus at different age levels, a well planed
systematically drawn up educational programe on harms of alcohol for the
purpose of raising of awareness of the harm done by alcohol.
6.2.4 Educate the younger generations about the need to change their life
styles for the good of their health.
6.2.5 Impose a ban on all forms of advertising and promoting the use of
alcohol including sponsorship of all youth activities such as sports and leisure
activities.
6.2.6 Remind the people of their traditional culture which strongly
discourages the use of alcohol. The government should set an example by not
serving liquor at state functions. I think a strong case can be made for
prohibiting the manufacture and import of alcohol products over a period of
time in gradual stages.
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6.3 CONCLUSION
Education of children should concentrate not only on technical subjects but
also on teaching children life skills and healthy living. They must also be taught that
for the upliftment of the society there must be a healthy nation. For building up a
healthy nation in a country which will help to develop the country one of the most
important things that can be done is to take all steps necessary to reduce the use and
abuse of alcohol. The law of the country should be pressed to the service of this
objective. If a programme like the one that has been suggested is implemented there is
no doubt that we will have a happy and peaceful society in our country. Such a
society would be one in which the citizens would be protected from unhealthy habits.
As a result the society will become a highly disciplined one. The level of morality in
the country will be improved. At the same time the country will become more stable
economically, politically and socially.
Such a peaceful society is what all of us dream about. Making our country an
alcohol free society would surely make it a prosperous and peaceful one. But we all
know that this is easier said than done. I think it is a dream that will never come true.
As citizens of Sri Lanka we must try our utmost to make that dream come true.
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BIBLIOGRAPHY
Books
1. Baklien B and Samarasinghe D, Alcohol and Poverty in Sri Lanka, FORUT,
2003
2. Samarasinghe D, Strategies to Address Alcohol Problems, FORUT, 2005
3. Hans Olav Fekjaer, Alcohol and Illicit Drugs, 1993
Journals and News Paper Articles
1. Karunarathne S, One has to bear up his own expenses, if a person falls ill after
liquor, Dinamina, 21 June 2010
2. Alahakoon A, Tax income on Tobacco and Alcohol is 12%, Expenditure on
patients who consume drugs is 22%, Divaina, 28 November 2006
3. Berenger L, Society’s living dead, The Sunday Times, 30th October 2011
4. Wilmot. R. Euphoria, Journal of Drug Issues, 1985
Web Sites
1. http://www.medicalnewstoday.com
2. http://health.uml.edu/thc/HealthIssues/AlcoholismFamilyEffects/default.html
3. http://allpsych.com/journal/alcoholism.html
4. http://www.spiritualriver.com/effects-of-alcoholism
5. http://indi.ca/2011/07/alcohol-consumption-in-sri-lanka/
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ANNEXES
Annex “A”
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Annex “B”
QUESTIONNAIRE
This Questionnaire to find out alcoholism and its impact on family issues in urban society
This is only for the training purposes.
All information provided will be treated as Confidential. Please do not provide your name or any other details other than required details. Those details will not be an impact on your life.
You are always welcome to refuse or withdraw questions.
This Questionnaire will help me to find out alcoholism and its impact on family issues in urban society.
Further any information and clarification you may write to
Pilot Officer PK De SilvaCombat Training SchoolSri Lanka Air Force AcademyChina – BaySri Lanka.
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ALCOHOLISM AND ITS IMPACT ON FAMILY ISSUES IN
URBAN SOCIETY
1. Age
15-24
25-40
41-55
55 above
2. Education Level
1-4 Grade
5-9 Grade
Ordinary Level and above
3. Family background
Married/Unmarried
No of Children
4. What is your job?
Self Employed
Private Sector
Government Sector
Other
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5. Monthly Income
Below 5000
5000-10000
10000-20000
Over 20000
6. Did you consume alcohol in the last 30 days?
Yes
No
7. How long have you been taking alcohol?
8. Frequent of alcohol consumption
Daily
Once or twice a week
Weekends
Once a month
Only special occasions
9. What do you feel when you take alcohol?
Calm
Aggressive
Happy
Sad
Feel uncomfortable
Feel comfortable
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10. Reason for consuming alcohol?
For pleasure To forget problems
For cold Given on credit
To overcome tiredness Others are drinking
Freely available
11. Your relationship with your wife,
Is improved because of my drinking
Is harmed because of my drinking
If yes, please explain
Your relationship with your children,
Is improved because of my drinking
Is harmed because of my drinking
If yes, please explain
Your relationship with your family relations,
Is improved because of my drinking
Is harmed because of my drinking
If yes, please explain
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12. Your opinion about alcohol use?
It is bad for society
It is good for society
It should be freely available
It should be prohibited
Drinking in a crowd is a sign of strength
Drinking in a crowd is not a sign of strength
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Annex “C”
m%Yakdj,sh
fuu m%Yakdj,sh bosrsm;a lrkqfha uoHidrslrKh iy tu.ska kd.Ñl iudPfha mjq,a .eg¢ i|yd n,mEu ïurAAIKh lsrsu i|ydh’
fuu m%Yakdj,sh yqfolau mqyqKq lghq;= i|yd ilia l, m%YaKdj,shla njg lreKdfjka i,lkak’
Tn imhk ish¢u f;dr;=re j, ryiH Ndjh iqrlskq w;r” Tnf.a fm!oa.,sl yd lsis¥ wkjYH f;dr;=re iemhsfuka je,ls isåk fuka ldreKslj b,a,d isåk w;r fuu m%Yakdj,sh u.ska Tnf.a fm!oa.,sl;ajhg lsis¥ n,mEula is¥fkdjk njg iy;sl fjà’
Tng ´kEu wjia:djl m%Y©k j,g ms<s;=re iemhsfuk© je<ls isåh yel'
jeÆ¥r fâ ms<sn| f;dr;=re iemhsug fyda ïuisu i|yd
kshuq ks<Odrs ms fla o is,ajd
igka mqyqKq mdi,
Ys% ,xld .=jka yuqod ëoHdmSGh
îkjrdh
Ys% ,xldj'
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uoHidrslrKh iy tu.ska kd.Ñl iudPfha mjq,a .eg¢ i|yd n,mEu'
1' Tnf. jhi
15-24
25-40
41-55
55 g jeÆ
2. wOHdmk uêgu
1-4 jir
5-9 jir
iudkH fm< iy Bg jeÁ
3' mjq,a miqÉu
ëjdyl$wëjdyl
orejka .Kk
4' Tn l=uk jD;a;shl kshef,kafkla o@
rcfha jD;a;slfhls
fm!oa.,sl fiajfha
iajHx relshdjl
yuqodfj
fjk;a
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5' udisl wodu
5000 g wvq
5000-10000
10000-20000
20000 g jeÆ
6’ Tn miq.sh ojia 30 we;=,; u;ameka mrsyrKh lrdo@
Tï
ke;
7' Tn fldmuK ld,hl isg u;ameka mrsyrKh lrkjdo@
8' Tn u;ameka mrsyrKh lrk wdldrh
ffokslj
i;shlg foj;djl© fyd ;=kj;djla
i;s wka; j,os
udihlg ierhl©
ëfY©I wjia:dj,os muKhs
9' Tn u;ameka mrsyrKh l, miq oefkk foa l=ulao@
ikaiqka fjhs
l<ydldÑ fjhs
i;=gla oefkhs
¥ll© oefkhs
weÕg wmyiqpl© oefkhs
weÕg myiqpl© oefkhs
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10' Tn u;ameka mrsyrKh lsÑug fy©;=j@
i;=g i|yd
iS;, ksid
uykaish ke;s lr.kak
fkdâ,fh ;sfnk ksid
m%YaK wu;l lrkak
Khg fok ksid
wks;a wh fndk ksid
11' Tnf. u;ameka mrsyrKh lsÑu ksid Tnf.© NdrAHdj iu. we;s ine|shdj
hym;©è ;sfnkjd
whym;©è ;sfnkjd
tfikà fy;=j"
Tnf. u;ameka mrsyrKh lsÑu ksid Tnf.© <uqka iu. we;s ine|shdj
hym;©è ;sfnkjd
whym;©è ;sfnkjd
tfikà fy;=j"
Tnf. u;ameka mrsyrKh lsÑu ksid Tnf.© mjqf, {d;Ska iu. we;s ine|shdj
hym;©è ;sfnkjd
whym;©è ;sfnkjd
tfikà fy;=j"
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12' u;ameka ms<sn| Tnf. woyi l=ulao@
fuh iudchg whym;a fohls
fuh iudchg hym;a fohls
fuh fkdâ,fh ;sÅh hq;= fohls
fuh ;ykà l, hq;=h
msrsila ;=< u;ameka Ndë;d lsrsu Yla;su;a nfï
,laIKhlS
msrsila ;=< u;ameka Ndë;d lsrsu Yla;su;a nfï
,laIKhla fkdfï’
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