Have you ever considered what a sachet economy is? It is a situation where almost every product has its sachet version, so people can easily afford it, especially because they cannot afford the Big can, Big bottle or the Big pack of most products they are in need of.
Detergents, Toothpaste, Vegetable oils, Milk, Curry, Thyme, various Spices and many more have since jumped on the sachet train and unfortunately, Alcohol is not left behind. There are different kinds of Alcohol in bottles and sachets, making its accessibility to drinkers easier than ever before. Various producers, some of whom are not professionals at what they do, keep emerging in our dear country. Although a percentage is included in some pharmaceutical products but it’s so insignificant that it does not come near the harm caused by daily or heavy drinkers.
We must remember that beer parlours still exist; no doubt it may have been impacted by low patronage because of the situation in the country but there are still people who not only earn big income and can afford to go there, but have also made patronizing such places and meeting their friends there a point of duty.
Also, owners of beer parlour businesses have improved their approach and style of business. With blares of any music in vogue, point-and-kill (catfish) privileges for pepper soup, one might just say – ‘We are just getting started.’ Wait a minute! Getting started with what?
Getting started with the numerous ways alcohol rewards faithful drinkers. Yes! Could it be that it is sarcastic to say that, ‘Alcohol always finds a way to respond to the ‘thank you(s)’ and the ‘love’ showed it by consumers. Yes! It always does by saying, ‘You are welcome!’ It says so gradually or almost instantly depending on body chemistry. How? Well, it does that in the following ways:
– Their Brains – Alcohol disrupts the brain communication pathways, affecting the mood of consumers, their behavior, memory, coordination, and increases the risks of stroke and dementia. That is why you see some consumers sleeping in the gutters or uttering gibberish.
– Heart – Do you know that heavy or long-term drinking can cause high blood pressure, heart muscle damage (cardiomyopathy), irregular heartbeat, and increase stroke risk?
– Liver – Alcohol can cause liver inflammation, fatty liver, alcoholic hepatitis, fibrosis, cirrhosis, and liver failure due to toxin buildup.
Kidney damage – Fake alcohol toxins strain the kidneys, potentially causing kidney failure and related complications.
– Pancreas: Chronic alcohol use may lead to pancreatitis, causing inflammation and impairing digestion and insulin regulation, which can affect blood sugar levels and diabetes risk.
Cancer Risk – Alcohol is a known carcinogen linked to increased risk of cancers including breast, liver, head and neck, esophageal, colorectal, and stomach cancers. It is heartbreaking to note that even moderate drinking raises cancer risk. Let’s see more:
– Immune System and Infectious Diseases
It makes the body more susceptible to infections like pneumonia, tuberculosis, and HIV.
– Fertility and Reproductive Health
In men, alcohol lowers testosterone and sperm count; in women, it can disrupt menstrual cycles and sexual performance. Alcohol during pregnancy causes fetal alcohol spectrum disorders and birth defects.
– Mental Health and Social Impact
Alcohol increases the risk of dependence, depression, anxiety, and suicide. It also contributes to social problems including family issues, unemployment, and violence.
Other Effects:
– Weight gain and obesity due to excess calorie intake from alcohol. Some of them tend to have pot bellies.
– Increases the risk of injuries from accidents, falls, and violence, often involving others affected by someone’s drinking.
If taking alcohol daily or often, even in moderation causes this much negative impacts on major organs and systems, then is it worth it?
Standing tall and noticeable is the fakeness in most of alcoholic drinks sold to passionate drinkers. Let’s dig the archives a little bit:
– In 2023, eight people died and 11 were critically ill after consuming unauthorized alcoholic drinks in Ogun State.
– NAFDAC did conduct extensive raids, seizing and destroying fake drinks worth over ₦750 million in the South-East and over ₦500 million in Lagos State in 2024 alone.
– Over 240 illegal shops producing counterfeit drinks were shut down in Abia State in 2023; just to mention a few.
Do you know that:
– Fake drinks often contain toxic substances like methanol, isopropanol, antifreeze, formaldehyde, and other dangerous chemicals.
– The high cost of genuine drinks drives many consumers to cheaper, counterfeit options unknowingly.
– Despite crackdowns, the counterfeit market remains active, especially during festive seasons when demand surges.
– Overall, fake drink consumption is widespread in Nigeria, with severe health consequences including kidney and liver failure, blindness, and death, making it a critical public health challenge.
The question now is: Would you rather embrace a ‘You are welcome’ from people who matter to you or from the love of alcohol?
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