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According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), alcohol is responsible for around 3.3 million deaths every year which is almost 6% of all deaths. This is a shocking statistic!
Most alcohol-related deaths result from injuries, cancer, cardiovascular diseases and liver cirrhosis. There is also the risk of alcohol poisoning through overdrinking, as well as the danger of developing a dependency on alcohol, leading to alcoholism.
Issues Arising from Overdrinking
Excessive drinking not only affects a person’s physical health, it also has a big impact socially and economically, not to mention the psychological effects of alcohol. Some of the issues of overdrinking include:
- Stomach ulcers, gastritis and liver disorders.
- Depression — alcohol is a depressant.
- Memory loss.
- Aggression and violent behaviour — often leading to crime.
- Car accidents and accidents at work or in the home.
- Relationship issues and marriage problems.
Excessive Alcohol Use and Binge Drinking
Cheap alcohol is widely available and can be bought in pubs, off licences, supermarkets, corner shops, petrol stations — in fact it is difficult to avoid alcohol because it is everywhere. Easily accessible cheap booze is a contributing factor to binge drinking, especially among young people.
It is also socially acceptable to drink and there are many occasions when people expect to have alcohol provided including birthdays, weddings, christenings, Christmas and New Year, hen parties and stag dos.
It is inevitable that too much alcohol consumption takes its toll on society and the number of accidents where alcohol was a factor is rising. The WHO estimates that the risk of suicide also increases eightfold when a person is abusing alcohol, so there is a link between alcohol and suicidal thoughts.
Addressing Excessive Alcohol Issues
What can be done to address the issues arising from too much alcohol consumption? The first step is education — we need our governments to invest in programmes to raise awareness of the problems alcohol can cause. We also need a determined effort to promote healthy life choices and limits imposed on the marketing and promotion of alcohol.
Schools need to play a part in educating young people to the risks associated with alcohol and the dangers that can lurk inside those colourful bottles and cans. Parents and guardians can also contribute by explaining some of the issues that can arise when people drink, even relating some of their own experiences with alcohol.
Finally, we also need to honestly examine our own attitude to alcohol and break the cycle of acceptance attached to our drinking culture and overindulgence in alcohol. Alcohol misuse is a complex issue, but together we can work together and take steps to reduce its grip on society.
Addiction Resources
Dealing with Addiction
Providing the facts about substance abuse, gambling, gaming & other psychological addictions. Addresses ways to help people recover from addiction.
- Age range: 12 years and upwards
- Category: Schools
- Published: 1999
- Last revised: 2021
- Pages: 83
Alcohol Abuse Lesson Plans
Problems with Alcohol
This lesson plan uses role play to examine some of the problems alcohol can cause among young people.
- Age range: 12 years and upwards
- Category: Schools
- Published: 2022
- Pages: 18