Alcohol is not bad when consumed and in moderate quantity, in the absence of any medical conditions. To drink responsibly means, among other things, to drink in such a way that the alcohol one has taken does not cause harm to the drinker or to those around him/ her. But there are those who drink irresponsibly and without moderation. There are those who stupidly brag about their ability to empty several bottles of beer or wine down into their stomach whether at home, beer parlour or restaurant. Some have made beer parlours their second home!

When one drinks irresponsibly without moderation, he / she is bound to pay the price as it will harm one’s social relationship and personal health.

There are marriages that have suffered and are suffering because of irresponsible consumption of alcohol by either the husband or the wife.

The family as a whole equally suffers – verbally and physical abuses, loss of unity, respect and peace.

Alcohol damages social relationships because of its power to alter or change one’s sense of judgement and perception of reality once it enters into the bloodstream and begins to act on the brain.

One’s personal health can be seriously harmed by alcohol just as it can harm one’s social relationship. The hidden harms that irresponsible and immoderate drinking of alcohol does to one’s health usually only emerge after a number of years. And by then, serious health problems can have developed. These include liver problems, reduced fertility, high blood pressure, increased risk of various cancers and heart attack.

The effects of alcohol on your health will depend on how much you drink. The more you drink, the greater the health risks. Don’t be a nuisance to your spouse, your family and your neighbours, and don’t shorten your life, through irresponsible and immoderate drinking of alcohol.