AN EMPIRICAL INVESTIGATION TO DETERMINE THE IMPACT OF SYSTEMATICALLY DESIGNED HEALTH-FOSTERING NURSING INTERVENTIONS ON THE RECONFIGURATION OF BEHAVIORAL PATTERNS AND AUGMENTATION OF MEDICATION ADHERENCE AMONG CLIENTS WITH ALCOHOL DEPENDENCE SYNDROME RECE

Abstract

Alcohol dependence syndrome (ADS) represents a chronic, relapsing disorder characterized by compulsive alcohol consumption, impaired control over drinking, tolerance, withdrawal symptoms, and persistent use despite harmful consequences. Globally and nationally, alcohol dependence has emerged as a major public health concern, exerting profound biological, psychological, social, and economic burdens on individuals, families, and health systems. In India, rapid urbanization, changing socio-cultural norms, occupational stressors, and easy availability of alcohol have contributed to a steady rise in alcohol use disorders, particularly among adult males in urban and semi-urban regions. Alcohol use disorders constitute a significant proportion of the global burden of disease and are increasingly recognized as a major public health and socio-economic challenge, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. Globally, alcohol consumption accounts for approximately 3 million deaths annually, representing about 5–6% of all global mortality. Alcohol use is a major risk factor for more than 200 disease and injury conditions, including liver cirrhosis, cardiovascular diseases, neuropsychiatric disorders, cancers, and injuries due to violence and road traffic accidents. The Global Burden of Disease estimates attribute nearly 5% of total disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) lost worldwide to alcohol use, underscoring its profound impact on population health.