Alcohol Drinking and Alcoholism in Kenya

Alcohol and drug abuse is one of the major socio-economic and health problems in Kenya. Consequently, it was declared a national disaster by the Kenya government in the year 2010. However, according to sources available to the author, there is scanty data currently available in the study of genetic and molecular biology of alcoholism in Kenya. In this work, the following factors contributed to alcoholism in the Kenyan study group: ADH 2/ALDH 2 polymorphisms, alcohol intake, alcohol drinking duration, moderate and heavy drinking by young females, sensitivity to alcohol, and preference of alcoholic drinks. This book is based on a pioneer research report on alcohol drinking and alcoholism among Kenyan populations from five geographical regions. Socio-demographic and alcohol drinking parameters were identified as contributing factors to the risk of alcoholism in different communities. Dr. Korir observes that alcoholism should be considered as a disease and not a crime. The book is resourceful for designing a national policy on alcohol and drug abuse. It is also resourceful to the medical and health practitioners and other researchers in biochemistry and epidemiology.