Drinking culture a concern

DRINKING alcoholic beverages such as beer, wine and spirits is an enjoyable pastime that helps people relax and unwind.
But when it comes to alcohol, how many of us really know how much is too much?
People drinking too much is now a concern. Drunkenness and alcohol abuse are not only a public nuisance but can cause bigger problems such as violence, both in the family and in the community.
Indeed, alcohol abuse is a national issue that poses many challenges for our society.
The introduction of lessons in schools about sensible drinking is an option that cannot be ignored by the authorities.
Children are bound to come across alcohol as they grow older and lessons learnt in school about the good and bad aspects of drinking will help them in the long run.
Every drink one consumes adds up, and over time, it can have a bigger impact on our health and well being.
The truth is that drinking alcohol is never going to be risk-free, but regularly going over the sensible drinking guidelines can have a negative effect on your overall health.
Even if one doesn’t have a hangover, the alcohol they’ve drunk can still affect their system.
The liver processes alcohol and it can only cope with so much at a time.
Drinking more alcohol than the liver can cope with can damage liver cells and produce toxic by-products in the body. The more one drinks, especially above the recommended limit, the greater the risk of developing negative effects.
A study conducted in Port Moresby found that more alcohol-related accidents occurred at night and on weekends, particularly on pay weekends.
The amendment to the Summary Offences Act on the penalties should be a deterrent.
A recent paper suggests that it is quite likely that some cases of tribal fighting are alcohol-related.
Alcohol, when used responsibly, can help the drinker relax and socialise.
Yet, despite all the restrictions placed on alcohol, a disturbing number of people are abusing it to the point of damaging their health.
The drinking culture shows no signs of improving, and more and more young drinkers are facing serious health risks including drink-driving accidents, liver failure, and crime.
While some have suggested banning alcohol altogether, that in itself will not solve the problem.
In fact, it will only open the way for more problems with homebrew.
Alcohol production and distribution provides jobs, therefore banning alcohol will cause people to lose their job .
The production and sale of alcohol also provides revenue for the government through duty and taxes.
If people consume alcohol sensibly and responsibly, it will do no harm.
While businesses want to make money and the National Capital District Commission needs the fees and taxes to run the services in the city, there is a serious need to look at the cost of alcohol to the community at large.