What to know about binge drinking
South Africans are classified as heavy or binge drinkers with beer accounting for 56% of all alcohol consumed.
According to studies, alcohol abuse is responsible for one out of every 10 deaths in our country.
Murray Hewlett, CEO of Affinity Health, said South Africa has one of the highest rates of alcohol consumption globally.
SA also has one of the highest rates of HIV in the world, with hundreds of thousands of people infected.
The link between alcohol and risky sexual behaviour has long been established by National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI), as drunk people are less likely to engage in safe sexual behaviour.
According to Hewlett, South Africa is classified as heavy or binge drinkers.
“Beer accounts for 56% of all alcohol consumed, followed by wine and spirits with an equal 18% share,” said Hewlett.
“Every year, the government tries to impress upon the public the dangers of drinking. However, substance abuse cannot be adequately addressed in South Africa without adequate funding from both the State and private healthcare providers, as well as acceptance of a medical approach to treatment.”
ALSO READ: Say no to alcohol abuse
He said binge drinking has serious health effects.
“You probably already know that alcohol slows vital functions, causing slurred speech, unsteady movement, distorted perceptions, and an inability to react quickly. But did you know it can also have some serious – and life-threatening – health consequences?”
Long-term abuse can cause the death of liver cells, resulting in cirrhosis and fatty liver disease. Heavy drinkers are also more likely to have problems pumping blood to their hearts and have a higher risk of dying from heart disease, according to studies.
“Heavy drinking can also lead to mental illnesses such as depression and dementia. You could suffer from painful nerve damage that lasts long after you sober up.”
He said there is a clear link between heavy alcohol use and many cancers (mouth, throat, voice box, and oesophagus, liver, breast).
“Lastly, many lives are also lost due to binge drinking, vomiting and then aspirating some of the vomit back into their lungs.”
Where you can get help
“When you’re struggling with alcoholism, sobriety can seem like an impossible goal. But with the right treatment and support recovery is never out of reach, no matter how hopeless your situation seems. Many places can assist you – the first step is reaching out and acknowledging you have an addiction,” concluded Hewlett.
If you or someone you know needs help with alcoholism, the following organisations can be helpful:
Al-Anon Family Groups: Helpline: 0861 ALANON (25 26 66), email: help@alanon.org.za
SANCA: Johannesburg: 08611 REHAB (73422) or 011 673 0400 or Western Cape: 021 945 4080/1
Department of Social Development’s Substance Abuse Line: National toll-free helpline: 0800 12 13 14 or SMS 32312
Childline South Africa: 24-hour toll-free helpline: 08000 55 555.
ALSO READ: Will lowering blood alcohol content equates to less road accidents?
