Alcohol - a silent killer

Long before the bearded patriarchal male gods, there was the goddes - feminine spirit of birth and fertility. The earth mother. Twenty thousand years ago, it was the goddess who gave life and abundance and it was the goddes who, out of mother's love and pity for her fallen children, gave the gift of brew to the women of mankind. The cup of bliss, the gourd of temporary forgetfulness was filled with beer......  _Alan Eames 1995

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Notwithstanding the joy that alcohol brings among friends, friendships, it strengthens among patronizers and the abnormal profits fetched by the distillers and retailers, alcohol remains a silent killer.  The quotations, “…Wine maketh merry…” (Eccl. 10:19), “Drink no longer water, but use a little wine for thy stomach’s sake….” (1Tim 5:23) and the use of wine to serve the Eucharist (communion) are some of the defensive explanations given by patronizers of alcohol when they are confronted. Nonetheless, alcohol has grave varied consequences which cannot be overlooked.

Alcohol is formed by fermenting mainly carbohydrates with yeast serving as an enzyme, speeding up the fermentation process. Studies have shown that red wine increases blood flow by making blood clotting cells, the platelets less sticky. Research however shows that it is not the alcohol that gives this benefit but substances called flavoids found in grapes as well as many other fruits, vegetables and grains.`

It is believed that, alcohol is the second most deadly drug coming right after tobacco, claiming many lives in around the world. 

Effects of Alcohol

• The alteration in function and death of brain cells.
• Increasing the risk of hypertension, stroke and damage of heart muscle.
• Ability to cause impotence in men and malfunctioned ovaries in females.
• Weakening of the immune system
• Destruction of the liver and the reduction in mental performance. 

The springing up of the drinking bars, better called drinking spots is on the rise and the only way to save the situation is to embark on massive educational programs to educate the world populace especially the youth on the dangers associated with alcohol intake.

Considering the harmful effect alcohol is causing in the society and the country as a whole ranging from fatal accident to crime, premature death to irresponsibility among others. We all  have to come together in order to curb this social canker.

The government can also curb this problem by imposing high taxes on operators of drinking bars, spirit and wine spot, putting a ban on all advertisements associated with alcoholic beverages on the media and putting bill boards that will educate the society on the dangers of drinking. I believe and hope that when some, if not all, the suggested remedies listed above are adhered to, we are sure to have a peaceful, violent- free society with a strong and an energetic human resource base for, that I can assure you.

By: Ansoba Eadbert

          (NUT1)

To all readers, am most grateful. God bless you for your time.

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