Oktoberfest: Beware the risks of excessive drinking

Oktoberfest: Beware the risks of excessive drinking (Photo: iStock)

Many will be familiar with October being the month associated with a beer festival, popularly known as Oktoberfest. The festival has its origins in Munich, Germany and dates back to the early 1800s.

But the festival has since spread worldwide, with local versions of Oktoberfest being held in many countries and cities. Kenya hasn't been an exception either, a local brewery company spearheads the festival every October.

But what really happens in Oktoberfest events? In keeping with the original theme, there are lots of beers to drink. But this has also been spiced up with the availability of plenty of foods to go with the beers. And entertainment too, spanning from all-night music to comedy acts in between.

Those with unquenchable appetites can drink the whole night, and continue for several more days as the festival isn't a one-day affair. A 2014 event is reputed to have had over 7 million litres of beer consumed!

But why talk about Oktoberfest? It's simply because the event is linked with alcohol, and the consumption of vast amounts of it too. Oktoberfest attracts people of all ages, but inevitably young people are usually over-represented.

The young tend to be more vulnerable to modelling their behaviour on hippy events. Therein lies the risk of excessive alcohol consumption afterwards, and the consequential health risks.

There have been unending debates about alcohol and health. On one extreme, the view is never to drink alcohol. Others point to potential benefits if alcohol is taken in moderation. What isn't in doubt is that there is too much link between alcohol and various disease conditions. Alcohol is linked to liver disease, some cancers, dependence, motor vehicle accidents, and even sudden deaths associated with acute intoxication.

Those joining the Oktoberfest events should enjoy their beers in moderation. Or not drink at all, though this may not rhyme with the theme of the festival. Those drinking too much should be wary of the effects of binge drinking, which can cause acute intoxication. No one should head into the festival to drive themselves back home after downing plenty of beers. There have been too many deaths on our roads linked to alcohol consumption.

Oktoberfest or not, unhealthy consumption of alcohol remains an issue of public health. Those who have never drank are best not starting in the first place. Those who drink should watch on their habits, and lessen their drinking episodes and quantities. Those already over the edge of dependence should seek help, or join Alcoholics Anonymous. Public health authorities have a role to play too. In some countries, strict alcohol licensing and pricing have played a role in taming excessive drinking and the associated health effects.