How to enjoy social drinking while avoiding alcoholism harms

Author: Unspecified; Reviewer: Unspecified; Curator: Unspecified; Production Information: Unspecified. Title: How to enjoy social drinking while avoiding alcoholism harms. Introduction: Excessive drinking harms health and is a known carcinogen. Drink responsibly to promote individual and family well-being. Keywords: ['Driving under the influence of alcohol is prohibited.', "Don't be addicted to alcohol; drink less.", 'Civilized Drinking; The Dangers of Alcohol'].

Alcohol often appears on dining tables, at gatherings, and during social occasions in daily life. However, the harm caused by excessive drinking and alcoholism is insidious and irreversible. Alcohol is classified as a Group 1 carcinogen, and for every additional drink consumed, health risks increase. The 2024 edition of the '66 Guidelines for Health Literacy for Chinese Citizens' clearly states in Article 65: do not engage in excessive drinking, drink in moderation, and advocate for civilized drinking. Alcohol can enhance merriment, but it should not harm health; it can be enjoyed in moderation, but not indulged in excess.

The dangers of alcoholism are far more serious than most people imagine.

Short-term excessive drinking can lead to acute alcohol poisoning, aspiration pneumonia, gastrointestinal bleeding, pancreatitis, and arrhythmias, with severe cases resulting in sudden death. Long-term alcohol abuse can damage the liver, causing fatty liver, alcoholic liver disease, cirrhosis, and eventually liver cancer. It also affects the brain, heart, and gastrointestinal tract, leading to high blood pressure, stroke, cognitive decline, depression, and personality changes. Additionally, it can result in family conflicts, accidents, and instances of violence.

Alcohol does not offer 'health benefits'; the so-called 'enhancing circulation and relieving muscle tension' or 'health-preserving wines' cannot outweigh the continuous damage they inflict on the body's organs.

There is no evidence supporting the notion that moderate alcohol consumption is beneficial for health; the less alcohol you consume, the safer it is.

It is crucial to resolutely eliminate uncivilized behaviors such as persuading others to drink, binge drinking, and coercing individuals to drink. Such actions are not expressions of enthusiasm, but rather an utter disregard for life. Refraining from driving under the influence, avoiding operating machinery, and steering clear of dangerous behaviors after drinking are fundamental responsibilities to oneself and others.

The following groups of individuals should abstain from alcohol:

Pregnant women and nursing mothers.

Children and adolescents.

Patients with liver disease, gastrointestinal disorders, and cardiovascular diseases.

Individuals currently on medication.

People with alcohol allergies.

Drinking in moderation is a way of respecting oneself as well as respecting others.

Moderate drinking helps protect health and safeguard the family.

If you can avoid drinking altogether, then do so; if you can drink less, then drink less.

Refrain from excessive drinking, do not succumb to excessive indulgence, do not pressure others to drink, and do not drive under the influence.

Maintain the boundaries, ensure safety, and uphold family happiness.

Keywords: No binge drinking; moderate drinking; responsible drinking; harms of alcohol; no driving under the influence.

Abstract: This article emphasizes the multiple harms of alcoholism to individual health, family, and society. It advocates for abstaining from alcohol, practicing moderate drinking, and embracing responsible drinking behaviors. It clearly defines at-risk groups and highlights safety principles to protect life and health.