Alcohol Abuse and Its Symptoms

In most cases, drinking alcohol is a huge part of their social life. The right amount of drinking - 2 shots per day for men and 1 shot for women can be tolerated as recent studies shows. But still more are obsessed and desire for excessive drinking of alcohol. They are not contented with the principle of moderate drinking and end up abusing alcohol without any reason. In this situation, millions of people are now being considered as alcoholics and are suffering from alcoholism. But they want to beat alcoholism to live a life worth living.

The effect of too much alcohol in the body is dangerous to our health. An alcoholic can get a lot of diseases and health complications at the later stage of being dependent to the substance. He may also suffer from inflammation of the liver (liver cirrhosis), weakness of the body and brain damage and is extremely dangerous for pregnant women. In addition, a recorded large number of deaths are caused by car accidents caused by drunk driving and intoxications of alcohol. Other great risks are committing suicides while under the influence of the addictive substance.

What is alcohol abuse?

In simple sense, it is an excessive consumption of alcohol while ignoring its negative side effects. It is a repetitive action that affects not only the individual who is under the influence of alcohol but also to those around him. In general, someone who abuses alcohol and is suffering from alcoholism can experience these following symptoms:

a. Craving or excessive desire to drink alcohol even if he knows the effects of the substance psychically and psychologically. The body always demands excessive alcohol intake.

b. Loss of control in drinking.

c. Physical dependence or need to drink. An individual may experience alcohol withdrawal symptoms which includes bad feeling, sweating, tremors, and anxiety caused by a sudden stop after a long period of multiple drinking.

d. Tolerance - The need of more than usual before achieving "high" or the desired effect of alcohol.


An increasing number of Catholic household’s problem Garo tribe of excessive alcohol consumption due to concerns of the group invited Legion of Mary in the diocese Mymensingh.

They also lend a hand to help overcome this problem. Two years ago, leaving her husband Sovya Mrong often acted harshly against him due to drinking alcohol.

"My husband drinks every day chu (typical of alcoholic beverages Garo tribe). He did not care at all with the family and often harshly treated me every time I ask him to not drink too much, "said Mrong to UCA News. Her husband also refused to follow the Mass on Sunday.

For two years, 39-year-old woman was working as a cook for the priests in the diocese Unio Mymensingh.

Beginning in 2009, he met with Sister Mrinalini Rema, CSC (Congregation of the Holy Cross) as chairman of Legion of Mary Parish Corpus Christi (Body of Christ) in Jalchatra which then helps him find a solution to the problem at hand.

Sr. Rema and other members of the Legion Mrong pray at home and give guidance to her husband to stop drinking alcohol. "Thank God, they succeeded. My husband has stopped drinking alcohol, and now went to church on Sundays, "he said happily Mrong.

"We are extremely grateful to the Legion of Mary. Now we can live as a happy family again," he added.

Before the Legion of Mary is set to intervene, at least 20 families in 14 villages in Jalchatra is experiencing the same sufferings. Until now no one of the husbands who had returned to alcohol drinking habits.

Legion of Mary was founded by a layman in Ireland in 1921. Habits do is to visit family members and the sick, and work together in the apostolic activities of the parish. They pray regularly each week, held a meeting, making plans, doing service activities for about 2 hours a week in the team.

Legion of Mary in Mymensingh diocese was formed in 1994 and until now has had more than 100 members.

Every Sunday after mass, they gathered in the parish hall to pray and raise funds for the poor. But now they decided to help the family apart by alcohol.

"While drinking alcohol own production during traditional ceremonies or party is a tradition of Garo, family problems arise when people make regular alcohol as a beverage," said Sr.. Rema, CSC.

"We pray to God through the intercession of Mary, help the poor and sick, and provide guidance and advice to families who experience problems due to alcohol."

According to Sr. Rema, guidance takes a long time, about 15-30 days. For that Legion members visit the family several times and talked with their husbands who are addicted to alcohol. If there is a positive response, they will arrange a schedule of prayer asking God's blessing for these families.

Recently Bobita Dofo also experienced the same situation as experienced Mrong. Then members of the Legion have scheduled Dofo prayer at home and give guidance to her husband.

"My husband has stopped drinking. He also has diligently went to church and even follow the evening prayer with the family" Dofo said.