JUST ONE MORE DRINK

By Godfred Mensah

Allen began abusing alcohol when he was 11 years old. Tony was 40 when he gradually increased his drinks from one or two each to five or six. Eventually, he lost control of how many drinks he had throughout the day. Allen sought help for his alcohol problem. Tony rejected the assistance offered by caring family and friends. Allen is alive to tell his story. Tony died a.few years ago in a motor vehicle accident after drinking too much liquor. These are but a few gory experiences of overdrinking .
DANGERS OF OVERDRINKING
OVerdrinking can damage physical health. In the end, alcohol bites like a snake and poisons like a viper according to the Good Book. Medical science has confirmed the wisdom of that ancient proverb. Alcohol in large quantities is a potential lethal toxin that can lead to various cancers, alcoholic hepatitis, cirrhosis of the liver, pancreatitis, low blood sugar in diabetics, fetal alcohol syndrome, stroke, or heart failure – to name but a few consequences. And even one instance of overdrinking or bingeing can result in a coma or in death.
IS ALCOHOL TAKING CONTROL OF YOUR LIFE ?
Ask yourself your these questions:
1 Do I drink more alcohol than I used to?
2 .Do I drink more often than I used to ?
3 .Have my drinks become stronger ?
4 .Do I use alcohol to cope with stress or to escape problems ?
5 . Has a friend or family member expressed concern about my drinking ?
6 .Has drinking caused problems for me at home, at work, or when traveling ?
7 .Is it hard to go without alcohol for a week ?
8 . Do I feel uncomfortable when others abstain from alcohol ?
9 . Do I hide from others the amount of liquor I consume ?
These questions will give you a fair assessment of your intake of alcohol.
Finally, before drinking alcohol ,consider the following. In fact , these considerations will help you to make wise decisions about alcohol.
1 . Is it advisable for me to drink alcohol or should I abstain ?
Recommendation: One who cannot limit his drinks should abstain.
2 .How much should I drink?
Recommendation: Determine your limit before alcohol distorts judgment.
3 .When will I drink ?
Recommendation: Not before driving or engaging in activities that require alertness; not during pregnancy; not with certain medications.
4 . Where will I drink ?
Recommendation: In a wholesome setting ; not in secret to hide the drinking ; not in front of people who are offended by alcohol.
5 . With whom will I drink?
Recommendation: With wholesome friends and family members; not with problem drinkers.
Whether you personally choose to drink in moderation or not at all, heed this loving appeal.Your present enjoyment and your lasting benefits are on your hands.