Did you know that the excessive intake of alcohol kills? According to the World Health Organization, Alcohol consumption contributes to 3 million deaths each year globally as well as to the disabilities and poor health of millions of people. In Ghana, the legal age of alcohol intake is 18 years and above meaning workers, parents, students etc. all fall into these categories. Alcohol is depressant drug. This means it affect the central nervous system, slowing down the messages between the brain and the body. A small amount can affect important functions like speech and movement.
Research performed by Carol Galbiscek on college alcholism shows that roughly 80 percent of students-four out of every five consume alcohol to some degree. Students take in alcohol for so many reasons known to them. Some of which are to alleviate their negative feelings or stressful period in their life. However, drinking of alcohol ceases temporarily stress of anxiety. It doesn’t work permanent. In an interview with some students at Ghana Institute of Journalism, on why they take in alcohol and their experience on the intake of alcohol, they mentioned that they drink to fit in with friends and also to have fun saying it has become a norm to take in alcohol as part of everyday life. However, they mentioned some health issues they face such as headache, heart pains and weakened immune system. They also stated that they are not able to concentrate in studying.
The excessive intake of alcohol causes damage to the vital organs of the human body. Alcohol abuse weakens and thins the heart muscle affecting its ability to pump blood. This can lead to heart failure and other life – threatening health problems. The abuse of alcohol causes strain on and sometimes hardening of the liver. These organs and other organs such as brain, pancreas etc. are vital for life therefore damage done to any of them can result in death.
Alcohol advertising is a factor that contributes to alcohol abuse. Some advertisements portray alcohol consumption as attractive, acceptable and rewarding. Some implied benefits promoted in alcohol ads are refreshment, relaxation, social approval, romance and elegance. Thus, people tend to purchase more alcohol products forgetting the side effect it has on one’s health. But with the help of counter advertising, alcohol consumers are able to know the effects that alcohol may have on them. This links up to what our advocacy agency worked on in countering an ad on “Royal Salute Whiskey”. In their ad, they portrayed their product to be of royalty and elegance with the tag line “Create Your Own Kingdom”. Their ad being all plush and captivating leaves out the dire consequences of their product with death being the end result. Our advocacy group countered the ad with “Your Kingdom Should Not Be the Grave” to educate target audience on what the ad of the product is not showing.
It is important for alcohol consumers to think of the health complications of alcohol intake before making a decision on the amount to take. As students, we should make our health and future our priority.
Tawiah Faustina
BACS21705
wecarefoundation 