Like it or not, alcohol is not good for anybody's health

Alcohol has been in the news recently and has made it to the headlines every so often. And not really for any good reasons. One story was attributed to a county that decided to restrict alcohol sales within its borders.

This, however, only increased the resolve of drinkers, they have reportedly migrated to a neighbouring county to drink even more! Then there was a report from another county where the courts ruled in favour of so-called illicit brews. But why the fuss about alcohol?

Many will swear on its purported benefits in the setting of social events. But others will frown upon those who partake of the stuff, citing the obvious association of drunkenness with all manner of social ills. It doesn’t stop there.

There are an untold number of medical conditions associated with drinking alcohol. Such conditions are avoidable by being a teetotaller. From a medical viewpoint, there is no defined lowest limit for safe drinking.

You will see guidelines from various health authorities that define daily and weekly limits for ‘safe’ drinking. But the reality is that such guidelines cannot protect you from all possible harms associated with alcohol. You can only be completely safe from alcohol if you don’t drink at all.

The list of medical conditions linked with alcohol is pretty long and includes liver disease, cancers and cardiovascular disease. Acute intoxication can kill suddenly. Addiction leads to all manner of shenanigans, in addition to all the associated medical conditions.

Then there are uncountable fatalities and grave injuries associated with inebriation on the roads and elsewhere. There are all sorts of reasons why people drink alcohol. It is also unlikely that everyone will ever get sold on the idea of not drinking at all. So the second best thing is drinking in moderation, which is the whole point about daily and weekly safe limits.

All this requires public education and strict enforceable laws geared towards alcohol licensing and selling. Individuals must take personal responsibility for their drinking habits. So what can you do to tame your drinking habits? If you or those close to you think you are getting over the top, seek help.

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You may already be addicted, and the only way out is professional help. There are all manner of therapists around who are trained to help those with addictions. Then there are self-help groups, Alcoholics Anonymous is one such entity, but there are others.

Dr Alfred Murage is a Consultant Gynaecologist and Fertility Specialist