(Image courtesy www.talktofrank.com)
Read a report on BBC this afternoon, which states that more and more people in their twenties or even younger are developing diseases related to alcohol abuse. This manifests itself primarily in liver disease, and the first a patient will know of that is severe bleeding from the oesophagus (gullet) and stomach. It is usually the cause of death in the longer run as well; one other cause is alcohol poisoning.
It is recognised that heavy drinking is socially acceptable, and it is also seen as a sign of "coming of age" to get drunk out of your mind. There are series of programs on satellite TV which show footage from towns and cities around the country, featuring teenagers and older people being drunk and disorderly. It usually ends up with a night in the cells.
In the longer term, serious health problems, as outlined above, crop up. These have long been overshadowed by illicit drug abuse, because this is strongly linked to crime. However, alcohol misuse carries a burden to society as well, as the cost of treating alcoholic liver disease can be very high. The footballer George Best had to undergo a liver transplant after his own liver failed due to alcohol abuse. Best continued to drink and died in 2006, at the age of 59.
The government have now made alcohol misuse a priority target. I sincerely hope they manage to eradicate the booze culture, which blights so many lives. It is not just those who drink to excess that are affected. Victims in road accidents in which alcohol played a contributary role. Relatives and friends of heavy drinkers. Need I go on?
There is a fly in the ointment: Money, to name but one. Alcohol brings in money for the government, in the shape of excise dues. Alcohol is sometimes cheaper to buy than bottled water, and the so-called alcopops have a taste that hides that of alcohol. You do not discern that you're imbibing large amounts of alcohol.
Boy, do I know this one. Thank you for the info. Guido.
ReplyDeleteLisa
Booze is to easily accessed. Even the corner shop sells it nowadays. Not just Offlicense shops. It has become more acceptable because it is normal to see it in every supermarket too.
ReplyDeleteThe only way to stop the easy access is to reverse the trend and I doubt that will ever happen. Young people save moey by buying a bottle of wine to drink before they go out to the expensive nightclubs. It's nothing to them to drink and be drunk before they get to the clubs.
It's out of control now and I can see no way back....can you?
If its not alcohol its drugs. And they can be cheaper than the alcohol.
Its quite a scary world for young adults nowadays.
Jeanie
Alcopops? As in, lollipops but with alcohol? I've heard of such things, but they are not available around here. Learning responsible drinking is critical, which of course includes the option to not consume at all.
ReplyDeleteYou are right, and I know this must affect every family in some way. Joni
ReplyDeleteWhat a very important entry Guido ,leading to alcholism ,a tereble illness...love Jan xx
ReplyDeleteI am always amazed at how socially accepted alcohol abuse is. Everyone turns a blind eye to people who drink to excess. The health issues are valid but what it does to the family is devastating. I stopped drinking alcohol 11 years ago, you would be amazed at the number of people who have told me I am no longer any fun and have turned into a bore. Go figure. Great entry on an important subject.
ReplyDeleteLisa
Alcohol has torn apart many of families...and also called many forms of abuse to children in families...it a sad affair....June:)
ReplyDeleteYeah, I can see how you'd feel that way Guido. I feel somewhat similar about that. I see too many people that binge drink and don't care. Sad really. We have the same problem here with people smoking. I don't have a problem with people who smoke, but many here frown upon people who do and look at them with scorn. They want to ban smoking in all public places. They jack up the prices. My question is why don't they ban the product? They won't because it's a legal product and most of the health programs are funded by cig taxes. So if they quit smoking, the money dries up. And it has happened here and some of the anti smoking groups are in a quandry... But it doesn't take away from the fact that abusing alcohol and smoking are not the way to go... Good thought provoking stuff Guido...
ReplyDeleteMik
I was raised in a home where there was no alcohol what so ever. Of course once I turned 21 I had to have a drink now and then. But when I became a mother I knew I didn't want it around my children. My husband agreed and would limit his few beers to when he was out of town (he worked for the railroad and was gone for several days at a time). But, that led to another problem...he started fooling around and after 14 years the "away from home" drinking took it's toll and he ran off with someone else who like to drink, no matter what. My theory is; drinking never made anything better, it only compounded problems and situations. And believe me, you can have a good time without booze. I wonder about those that sit in a dark, smokey taverns...drinking one beer after another....trying to out shout each other. BIG FUN ? WRONG! Then they wonder why they have a headache the next morning. It breaks my heart to see our young people smoking and drinking. Two things that will only cause harm to their bodies. Linda (the tea totaller) in Washington state
ReplyDeleteThanks for this entry hon. I know all too well first hand what the disease of alcoholism can do to you. It's even sadder that it's such an acceptable trait for the younger generation. We have what we call a pub crawl that is actually supported by the local government, police and colleges. The idea is to visit as many pubs as possible along a certain route on a given night. I would love to kick the idiots who thought this one up in the seat of the pants. It's also located along a riverfront, the past few years someone ends up missing in the river. Has it made a difference? Not at all. It would take money from the local establishments not to do the pub crawl. (Hugs) Indigo
ReplyDeleteWhy as a culture to we seem to glorify drinking and hold out the lie that fun is only fun when you have alcohol?! - Barbara
ReplyDeletethanks for the comment it was inspired by your entry i just wanted to give another view, from the fat cats that profit from it.
ReplyDeleteYasmin
I've never seen a need to drink. I often wonder why people want to put foul tasting stuff into their bodies, let's face it, if they drink spirits they have to mix it with fruit juice or something fizzy because of the disgusting taste. I read today that supermarkets are selling cans of lager for 22p, I'm certain this will cause more problems with young people. Jeannette xx
ReplyDeleteVery good entry, Guido!!! I love wine, but only have a glass or so once in a great while at home, and don't mix it with driving.
ReplyDeleteJoann
I don't drink much, and I just can't believe how prevalent it is in our society. It's shameful. But, it's all about $$. The DUI's bring in high fines...the insurance rates go up. Even the undertakers aren't left out. Everyone makes $$ on the deal.
ReplyDeletePam