ALCOHOL

1. Human beings are trapped in doubt arising from a wide range of factors and experience constant mental tension. Instead of searching for an appropriate solution to alleviate this, alcohol consumption is opted for as a shortcut relief.

Experiencing such tension due to insecurity or a feeling of being exploited, people turn to alcohol for support and then fall victim to addiction.

2. Countless people feel weak and incapable and become addicted to alcohol to alleviate the sense of shame arising from this.

3. In many families, alcohol is consumed in the home. Undesirable association from business contacts and activities in society, where there is social pressure to drink, leads to addiction.

4. Effects of alcohol consumption :-

Alcohol consumption damages the tissues of the face. When alcohol is taken into the stomach, a small portion enters the blood stream and the remainder enters the small intestines. Once alcohol enters the blood stream, it causes damages to all tissues throughout the body. Serious harm is done to the digestive system.

Alcohol consumption causes memory loss, particularly, during the period of intoxication. When there is often a total lapse of memory, giving rise to a wide range of tensions. Alcohol addiction causes irritability and a feeling of isolation.

According to one scientific study, it was established that there is not a single part of the body which is not damaged from alcohol consumption.

Alcohol consumption causes cirrtiosis of the liver which is a fatal disease and also creates the possibility of heart disease. The digestive tract and stomach are damaged, ulcers develops and the possibility of stomach cancer arises. In addition to that, brain cells are severally damaged and the entire nervous and skeletal system is weakened.

The most critical side-effect of alcohol consumption is caused to the brain. Brain activity is debilitated and the nervous system network carrying brain messages is disturbed, accompanied by personality break down with symptoms of excessive talkativeness, short-temper, argumentativeness and violence. Mental balance is lost and the judgment and decision making faculty is critically disturbed.

Alcohol consumption causes serious damage to the activity of the liver and kidney resulting in swelling of the body, water retention in the stomach, vomiting blood and ultimately escorting the person in the direction of death. In addition to this, heart activity is slowed, consequently, disturbing the flow of blood in the blood vessel system causing high blood pressure. The consumption of alcohol greatly increases the possibility of falling victim to accident. It is a treating evil and invitation to self-destruction.

5. It has been determined that out of 100 alcoholics:

• 47% die of alcohol-related diseases

• 18% die due to violence

• 17% die. in accidents

• 11% die from suicide

• 7% only die from natural causes.

6. Consequences of alcohol consumption :-

The most serious consequence of alcohol consumption is the detrimental effect in family life. An alcoholic feels guilty about his offences in the home, ashamed in society and financially insecure. The most substantial contribution towards overcoming alcoholism can be given by family members. An alcoholic should not be excluded from family activities and all family functions should proceed normally without worrying about shame in society. Instead of causing the alcoholic to feel guilty and he made to be overcome with self-condemnation he should be treated lovingly. The critical dangers of alcohol should be explained to him and he should be encouraged to undertake the appropriate treatment. A devout atmosphere should be kept in the home.

7. Do's and don'ts to avoid alcoholism :

 

* Don't give in to social pressure, force or being ashamed into drinking.

* Constantly remind oneself of the dangers and destruction of alcoholism.

* Keep the teachings of great souls and religious books constantly in mind.

* Be victorious over the mind.

* Remember constantly the physical, mental, social and financial destruction of alcoholism.

Above all, give priority to Guru's instructions and Bhagavad aashray (taking Prabhu's shelter). You can definitely become free from alcohol addiction if you absorb yourself in constructive activities.

* Strive to find satisfaction in dharmic activities.

* Keep interest in programmes conducted by saints.

* Make firm resolve for reading some religious book daily.

* Keep a daily routine of Bhagavad seva Maintain friendship with religious persons. Discontinue friendship with other alcoholics permanently. Make the firm resolve today 'I'll never take alcohol again never again'.

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