PERSONAL SIGNIFICANCE

PERSONAL SIGNIFICANCE

Irrespective of the extensive knowledge and experience that people have concerning the effects of alcohol abuse that later lead to alcoholism, the topic continues to be underestimated. For instance, in comparison to the attention given to the opioid misuse and the health and public repercussions that they have, alcoholism continues to side-lined irrespective of its effects being much lethal than those of the former. On the same note, while other substance use disorders attract maximum attention in national conversations not only in the US but also at a global scale, alcohol abuse continues to be normalized; thus, it’s mostly left out in such forums and discussions. Having been raised by an alcoholic father and thus gaining first-hand experience on the effects of alcoholism not only to the addict himself but to the whole family and also a keen observation on how it has often been overlooked, this topic is personal to me. Based on my childhood experience ranging from psychological and emotional unrest, shame, and financial constraints, it’s only humane and logical for me to be highly invested in this topic. As a result, since my high school days, I’ve embarked on extensive research and knowledge-seeking concerning the topic, including attending relevant seminars and talks to have a broad worldview on the topic. In the cultural context, culture encompasses our way of life, including attitude, norms, morals, behavior, and other capabilities that one acquires while they are being socialized. Consequently, this is to means that the environment plays an integral role in that socialization. Therefore, a stressful environment is a motivator of alcohol abuse. This is in addition to alcohol abuse being considered acceptable in many ways; for example, it’s deemed right for one to overindulge in alcohol during weddings, birthday parties, and sports, and overtime that norm can lead to addiction. Also, mostly, alcohol is considered to be a catalyst during socializing.

3. RELATE TO THE AUDIENCE

Alcoholism is one of the major attributing factors of sexual assaults among the youths with either the victim, perpetrator, or both of them indulging in alcohol consumption. Alcohol affects the victim’s and the perpetrator’s cognitive and motor skills distorting their reaction to both verbal and non-verbal communication, which eventually leads to sexual violation. Similarly, alcoholism is the leading cause of unsafe sexual activities, such as having unintended and unprotected sexual activities with multiple partners. Also, most road accidents are associated with alcohol abuse and alcoholism at large as they involve drunk road users, either drivers or pedestrians. Alcoholism is also known to be the leading cause of family breaking due to relationship hitches instigated by financial problems, emotional and psychological distress, and in other cases, physical abuse. Mostly alcoholism among young people is generated by peer pressure, curiosity, and societal norms, which leads to binge drinking and later on addiction. The youths must take caution of this epidemic as otherwise, it affects all facets of their lives ruthlessly. The normalization of alcohol intakes within the society then can be said to the instigator of sexual violence, divorces, and unsafe sexual practices.

4. SPECIFIC PURPOSE, 6. MAIN POINT AND 7. MESSAGE

According to WHO 2018, approximately 3 million deaths occur on a global scale, which represents 5.3% of all deaths due to the harmful use of alcohol. These numbers surpass those of HIV related deaths registered in the same year 770000. By that token, this is to mean that alcohol abuse and alcoholism is a global menace and epidemic. Additionally, alcoholism is a causal factor of more than 200 diseases and injury, which in turn leads to death and disability, with this number being high for the people in the age bracket of 20-39 years. In addition to the diverse social and psychological effects of alcoholism aforementioned herein, it also has detrimental health effects. Among them, alcoholism tremendously increases one’s susceptibility to a diverse range of cancers. For instance, alcoholism is largely associated with mouth and thorax, esophagus, colon and rectum, liver, and breast cancer on women. Besides on health-related problems generated by alcoholism, liver, heart, stomach, pancreases diseases, and brain damage are overly high among the alcoholics. Furthermore, depression and anxiety disorders, the leading cause of suicide on a global scale, are increased by alcoholism. Nonetheless, irrespective of this ‘disease’ having detrimental effects on the alcoholic and their social circle, there are treatment options for those willing to improve their lives. These options range from medications, detoxifications, behavioral treatments, and mutual support groups. However, it’s important to note that there is a 40-60% chance of relapsing; therefore, these programs, including the Alcoholic Anonyms, become a lifetime commitment. An extensive understanding of the effects of alcoholism and the treatment mechanisms described and explained above is essential for the people to have knowledge of the dark side of alcohol abuse and offer hope for the already affected ones. In that light, people need to know the causes and effects of alcohol abuse, as it will allow them to make informed decisions on matters concerning the same. At the same time, also they can use this information to sensitize their loved ones and the society at large, therefore helping to curb this menace.

5. SPEECH DESIGN, AND 7. PRESENTATIONAL AID

Categorical speech design is most effective in this context. This is based on the fact that it allows the organization of the speech in different categories and topics, thereby creating consistency not only to the speaker but also to the audience. The categories formed work to enhance the support of the original purpose of the speech. In this case, through different categories, starting with the personal relationship with alcoholism, the cultural base of alcohol abuse, the causes of alcoholism, effects, and the treatment programs all work in bringing a closer understanding to the topic of alcoholism. In matters of the presentational aid to be used, paper handouts will be the most effective in this speech. The handouts will provide detailed information on the speech that they are likely to forget, for instance, the statistical data on alcoholism. The handouts will be integrated into the speech in the middle of the speech, and they will be given in incomplete formats as otherwise, it can create distractions. The missing details within the handouts will be vocally given to fill the gaps. This will ensure that the audience follows closely throughout the presentation, not to miss important information.