twrama 1990_final oc.. - AMA WA
twrama 1990_final oc.. - AMA WA
twrama 1990_final oc.. - AMA WA
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OPINION<br />
A hard-earned thirst<br />
by Benjamin Host<br />
President, Western Australian Medical Students’ S<strong>oc</strong>iety<br />
Alcohol. It is almost ubiquitous in our s<strong>oc</strong>iety.<br />
Relaxation, celebration and s<strong>oc</strong>ialisation have somehow<br />
become inextricably linked to the consumption of alcohol.<br />
Whatever the <strong>oc</strong>casion, birthdays, weddings, funerals – even<br />
a Sunday afternoon – the tradition is there to crack a beer<br />
or pop the cork on some champagne. Even without these<br />
<strong>oc</strong>casions, the promotion of alcoholic beverages pervades<br />
our everyday life. Be it television, radio or print, the call to<br />
drink is incessant, regardless of the medium.<br />
Why? Why is it that we feel this compulsion to consume?<br />
Why is it that for so many, particularly our vulnerable<br />
youth, there is this drive to binge drink? Why must we<br />
drink to get drunk? Where did we start onto the path that<br />
drinking is so intimately linked to enjoyment that we cannot<br />
have a good time without being under alcohol’s influence?<br />
Whatever the reasons, the harmful effects of alcohol<br />
cannot be ignored. The immediate dangers of alcohol<br />
consumption including acute alcohol poisoning, drink<br />
Though frequently witty<br />
and often hilarious, what is<br />
being peddled in alcohol<br />
advertising is little more<br />
driving, unsafe sex than a poison<br />
and violence are well<br />
known. In addition, the<br />
long-term risks of liver and<br />
brain damage, as well as alcohol’s<br />
carcinogenic potential are indisputable.<br />
Becoming even more understood are the deleterious effects<br />
of alcohol on the developing foetus and the continually<br />
maturing brain of our youth. Action must be taken to<br />
counteract the plethora of harm and the cost that this<br />
imposes on the community.<br />
Just as it was in the campaign against smoking, the<br />
battle against the bottle has its opposition. Breaking the<br />
stronghold of alcohol advertising and the links between<br />
alcohol and sport are necessary steps forward. Though<br />
frequently witty and often hilarious, what is being peddled<br />
in alcohol advertising is little more than a poison. Brewing<br />
companies, hoteliers, large supermarket and liquor retail<br />
Continued on page 37<br />
October MEDICUS 35
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