Should Alcohol Usage Be Controlled?

Alcohol is produced by the fermentation of grains, fruits, and other vegetables. These
ingredients in the human body have various implications that affect parameters like blood
pressure, sugar, sugar etc. People drink alcohol as a fancy beverage to induce euphoria and
reduce anxiety. Some consume it for social parties and fun.
Humans have been arguing about its merits and demerits, but the majority of the research says
that it should be controlled and legislated. The consensus is that alcohol is both a tonic and a
poison. According to estimates made by the WHO, at least 10 million people throughout the
world regularly use alcohol. Harmful consumption can be dangerous not only to the person who
consumes alcohol but also to the people around them. Young and adolescent people are more
susceptible to the hazards of drinking if they are not properly regulated.
Complete control over the production of alcohol and its consumption made illegal is unlikely and
possibly not productive. However, the production, marketing, and distribution of alcohol should
be monitored and controlled.
Studies and research reveal that most accidents, violence, crimes, and serious medical
conditions occur due to the uncontrolled use of alcohol.
The risks and possible health benefits of moderate consumption of alcohol are highly debatable.
Several policy changes are required to regulate the use of alcohol. Worldwide, 3 million deaths
every year result from the harmful use of alcohol. A range of diseases like mental disorders,
hypertension, high cholesterol, diabetes, liver cirrhosis, and cardiovascular disorders are
attributed to excessive intake of alcohol. Not only this, but there are various adverse effects on
social and economic status, including accidents, violence, and other consequences for society.
However, other research from the USA suggests that moderate and regulated drinking also has
some health benefits, such as reducing stress and anxiety and controlling heart disease. It is
one of the most commonly used drugs in the United States. It is advised that it is better not to
start drinking because of its potential health benefits.
It has been studied that in countries where more than 40% of the population is economically
poor, people even go for country-made liquor, which is available at a cheap price or even
brewed at home. Moreover, a lack of education and awareness about the harmful effects of
alcohol increases the risk of the dangerous implications of alcohol usage, along with the
adverse economic effects. These include lower job efficiency, increased absenteeism,
accidents, and domestic disturbances.
In India, while gains in terms of revenue from alcohol sales were estimated to be INR 244 billion
every year, losses from adverse effects of alcohol were nearly INR 244 billion. Hence, it can be
concluded that gains earned from excise taxes end up being spent to counter the negative
effects of alcohol consumption.
Despite societal acceptance and arguments in favor of the cardiovascular benefits of moderate
doses of alcohol, an international consensus should be enforced on alcohol control policy and
prohibition, and certain measures should be advocated legally and globally in line with the
recommendations of the WHO.
References:

IvyPanda,(2022,November 13)
World Health Organization (2019)
Edubirdie(2022,December)
Global Status Report on Alcohol (2004)
AIIMS(1997,January)