The many faces of alcohol abuse

Ms Valerie Borg's letter (The Sunday Times, November 26) makes a number of excellent points about the nature of alcoholism and the repercussions of pathological drinking on the drinker and his/her immediate family. While Sedqa endorses most of what Ms Borg has written, it feels bound to rectify one or two inaccuracies.

Although adolescent drinking has reached worryingly high proportions, there is no evidence on which to base the claim that alcoholism is increasing among the young. What we are witnessing is an epidemic of binge drinking - the practice of drinking to excess in a short time, practically with the express intention of getting drunk.

Binge drinking is very dangerous, exposing the mainly young people who indulge in it to all sorts of physical, social and psychological harm. However, it is not equivalent to alcoholism, although it is a form of the excessive drinking Ms Borg mentions in her letter as a possible precursor to addictive drinking later on in life. Binge drinking and alcoholism (or to use the term current among professional alcohol workers, alcohol dependence syndrome) are intrinsically different from each other, and require different approaches on both the prevention and treatment level.

Moreover, we are concerned about Ms Borg's claim that alcoholics have to drink daily. Although a considerable number of addicted drinkers do drink every day, there are many drinkers who, though not consuming alcohol every day, are undoubtedly alcoholic in the light of other behaviour exhibited (for example, loss of control over drinking, continued drinking despite consequences and/or other symptoms).

As Ms Borg points out, the addicted drinker's denial of the problem is a common symptom of the illness. It is also possibly the biggest obstacle to seeking help. One of the more common denial strategies is to compare oneself with the stereotypical alcoholic of the popular imagination, among whom distinguishing characteristics daily drinking features prominently.

This comparison will, almost inevitably, lead to the alcoholic (and possibly his relatives) concluding that since daily drinking is not involved, there is no serious problem. Further drinking can therefore be justified.

The myth that daily drinking is an essential characteristic of alcoholism must be dispelled if more sufferers of the disease - both drinkers and relatives - are to come forward for help earlier than they often do.

Finally, Ms Borg rightly encourages relatives of sufferers to seek the help of Alcoholics Anonymous and Al Anon. These two organisations have, over the years, helped many victims of alcoholism regain sobriety and equilibrium in their lives. Other organisations where individuals who require help with problem drinking can turn to are OASI in Gozo, and, of course, Sedqa (Helpline 151).

Sedqa offers its care services both within the community and in residential settings. People needing help with problems related to substance abuse can be referred, refer themselves to these services or access more information by calling Helpline 151, or by visiting the agency's Website www.sedqa.gov.mt