1) Young Muslims - The Message

8.14 Recurrent infection is very common among chronic alcoholics.The resistance to disease and the immunological defensesystem are compromised by alcohol intake.8.15 Chest infections are notorious in alcoholics. Pneumonia, LungAbcess, Emphysema and Pulmonary Tuberculosis are allcommon in alcoholics.8.16 During acute alcoholic intoxication, the drunk person usuallyvomits, the cough reflexes which are protective are paralyzed.The vomitus thus easily pass to the lung causing aspirationPneumonia or Lung Abscess. Occasionally it may even causesuffocation and death.8.17 The ill-effects of alcohol consumption on women deservespecial mention. Females are more vulnerable to alcoholrelatedCirrhosis than men. During pregnancy, alcoholconsumption may cause severe detrimental effect on thefetus. Fetal Alcohol Syndrome is being recognized more andmore in the medical profession.8.18 Skin diseases are also related to alcohol indulgence.8.19 Eczema, Alopecia, Nail Dystrophy, Paronychia (infectionaround the nails) and Angular Stomatitis (inflammation of theangle of the mouth) are common diseases among alcoholics.9. Alcoholism is a ‘disease’Medical doctors have now turned liberal towards alcoholics and callalcoholism a ‘disease’ rather than an addiction.The Islamic Research Foundation has published a pamphlet thatsays: If alcohol is a disease, it is the only disease that:• Is sold in bottles• Is advertised in newspapers, magazines, on radio, televisionand Internet• Has licensed outlets to spread it• Produces revenue for the governmentYoung Muslims, What they should know about Islam Page - 127