Drink responsibly

A GOOD number of Papua New Guineans are not good at socialising, especially when there is alcohol, because they end up arguing and fighting.
In most cases, socialising leaders to injuries or even deaths.
And most gathering – be it family, friends or work-related that has alcohol there will always have its share of commotion.
Many people drink alcohol to socialise and celebrate or they enjoy a drink with dinner.
A good number of people drink in moderation or do not drink; however, many still struggle with forms of problem drinking, including heavy drinking, binge drinking and alcohol use disorder.
Many people drink alcohol and the majority do so without any problems.
Drinking can be enjoyable and sometimes helps you unwind or relax.
But heavy drinking, getting drunk or drinking at the wrong time or in the wrong situation can lead to a range of difficulties.
This brings us to the scenario that is becoming too common in our communities with consumption of alcohol, those who have consumed alcohol have been more argumentative, abusive or violent.
National Capital District Met Supt Gideon Ikumu said people who could not control themselves after drinking alcohol needed to stop drinking or limit their consumption because they were a threat to themselves, their families, friends, tribesmen and the entire community.
His call stemmed from a fight in a settlement in Port Moresby as a result of drunkards.
Some parts of the city have recently experienced ongoing fighting and drunken brawls and police had to be called in to quell the violence from time to time.
Alcohol affects people in different ways but for many youths and even some grown men, it seems they lose all form of common sense and become a nuisance.
For many people, alcohol creates an overall sense of happiness and camaraderie.
But in others, it has the opposite effect while for some alcohol is like fuelling a fire and that is that is dangerous.
Whatever it is, alcohol is never an excuse for bad behaviour.
There are children living in Papua New Guinea with parents who misuse alcohol.
The problems are widespread.
Many research done worldwide say parental alcohol misuse damages and disrupts the lives of children and families in all areas of society, spanning all social classes.
It blights the lives of whole families and harms the development of children trapped by the effects of their parents’ problematic drinking.
This is definitely happening in PNG.
With the relaxing of Covid-19 restrictions and the lifting of alcohol ban, maybe the good Met Supt could bring back the special operation targeting drunk and disorderly behaviour in the city from some two years ago.
The operation was aimed at arresting and locking up drunk people who were causing problems in public places within the city.
This time, include loud music and public annoyance after 10pm.
Some offenders back then were locked up for their own safety and for the safety of others as well.
In some cases, due to the huge number of arrests, drunks are subdued, cautioned and later released when they have sobered up.
We understand that citizens have the right to drink but police also have a duty to protect lives and properties too.
Alcohol abuse is a cancerous issue that poses many challenges for our society.
A lot still needs to be done to educate the population on sensible drinking.
It is a time bomb.