A mathematical analysis of alcoholism ∗

A deterministic mathematical model for the spread of alcoholism is designed and analysed to gain insights into this growing health and social problem. The reproduction number and equilibria states of the model are determined and their local asymptotic stabilities investigated. Analysis of the reproduction number have shown conditions under which encouraging and supporting moderate drinkers to quit alcohol consumption is more effective in the control of alcoholism than supporting and encouraging alcoholics to quit and vice-versa. Numerical simulations show that targeting moderate drinkers by encouraging and supporting them to quit alcohol consumption will in the long run be more effective in curtailling the spread of alcoholism than singly targeting alcoholics only. However, as shown by the numerics encouraging and supporting all alcohol consumers to quit drinking will be the best strategy.