Former alcoholic reveals a warning sign your drinking is ‘no longer casual’ – The Times of India

Report on Alcohol Consumption and its Implications for Sustainable Development Goal 3

Introduction: Aligning Public Health with SDG 3

The harmful use of alcohol presents a significant challenge to achieving Sustainable Development Goal 3 (Good Health and Well-being). This report examines the risks associated with alcohol consumption, particularly the transition from casual use to dependency, and outlines strategies for prevention and reduction in line with SDG Target 3.5, which aims to strengthen the prevention and treatment of substance abuse.

Key Indicator of Harmful Consumption: Alcohol-Induced Blackouts

A primary warning sign of problematic alcohol use, transitioning beyond casual consumption, is the experience of a blackout. Testimonials from individuals with a history of alcohol dependency highlight this phenomenon as a critical indicator.

• Experiencing a blackout, even once, suggests a relationship with alcohol that is no longer casual.
• Blackouts occur when alcohol tolerance becomes so high that an individual consumes past their body’s physical limit without conscious awareness.
• This event is a neurological shutdown, not a normal consequence of social drinking, and serves as a significant warning.

Scientific and Medical Perspectives on Alcohol-Related Harm

Medical experts and scientific research corroborate that repeated blackouts are a strong indicator of alcohol-use disorder, directly impacting the objectives of SDG 3. The physiological mechanisms and consequences are well-documented.

• Blackouts are characterized by memory loss for events that occurred while intoxicated, resulting from high blood alcohol content impairing the brain’s ability to form new memories.
• A 2006 study in J Forensic Science indicated a 50% probability of a blackout when blood alcohol content reaches 0.22%.
• Research published in Wiley (2016) notes that blackouts can contribute to long-term psychiatric symptoms and adverse changes in the brain, undermining efforts to promote mental health as per SDG Target 3.4.

Overdose Risks and Non-Communicable Disease Linkages

The immediate danger of alcohol overdose and the long-term risk of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are critical public health concerns that impede progress on SDG 3. The World Health Organization (WHO) has established that no level of alcohol consumption is safe for health.

Signs of Alcohol Overdose

1. Mental confusion or stupor
2. Difficulty remaining conscious
3. Vomiting and seizures
4. Slow or irregular breathing
5. Slow heart rate and clammy skin
6. Dulled responses, such as no gag reflex
7. Extremely low body temperature or bluish skin

The International Agency for Research on Cancer has classified alcohol as a Group 1 carcinogen, meaning consumption from the first drop increases health risks. This directly relates to SDG Target 3.4, which calls for a reduction in premature mortality from NCDs.

Strategies for Reducing Harmful Alcohol Use in Support of SDG 3.5

To support the achievement of SDG Target 3.5, which focuses on preventing and treating substance abuse, individuals are encouraged to adopt strategies to reduce or eliminate alcohol consumption. The following steps are recommended:

1. Develop a plan to limit consumption, potentially using health apps to track progress.
2. Choose beverages with lower alcohol by volume (ABV).
3. Adhere strictly to pre-determined limits.
4. Organize social activities that do not center on alcohol consumption.
5. Set a specific budget for alcohol to control spending and consumption.
6. Avoid participating in “rounds” of drinks in group settings.
7. Restrict alcohol consumption to mealtimes only.
8. Find alternative activities and coping mechanisms for boredom or stress.

Analysis of the Article in Relation to Sustainable Development Goals

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

• SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

  The entire article is centered on health and well-being. It discusses the negative health impacts of alcohol consumption, such as alcohol-use disorder, blackouts, and increased cancer risk. The article’s purpose is to educate people on these dangers and promote healthier choices by reducing or eliminating alcohol intake, which directly aligns with the goal of ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being for all at all ages.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

• Target 3.5: Strengthen the prevention and treatment of substance abuse, including narcotic drug abuse and harmful use of alcohol.

  This target is directly addressed. The article serves as a tool for prevention by educating readers on the warning signs of harmful alcohol use, such as experiencing blackouts. Corey Warren’s mission to “educate people on the dangers of drinking” is a clear example of a prevention effort. Furthermore, the section “How to cut down on alcohol” provides actionable steps for individuals to manage and reduce their consumption, which relates to the treatment and management aspect of substance abuse.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

• Indicator 3.5.2: Harmful use of alcohol, defined according to the national context as alcohol per capita consumption (aged 15 years and older) within a calendar year in litres of pure alcohol.

  While the article does not provide statistical data on per capita alcohol consumption, it directly addresses the concept of “harmful use of alcohol.” It defines harmful use through specific examples and consequences, such as experiencing blackouts, which occur when “blood alcohol content reaches 0.22 per cent.” The article quotes the World Health Organization, stating, “no level of alcohol consumption is safe for our health,” and emphasizes that “the more you drink, the more harmful it is.” The tips provided to “cut down on drinking” are direct strategies aimed at reducing an individual’s alcohol consumption, thereby contributing to a reduction in the overall “harmful use of alcohol” measured by this indicator.

4. SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Table

Source: timesofindia.indiatimes.com