Very few people want to hear it, and some don't believe it, but the fact is that alcohol is a drug. However, the fact that its use is legalised means that many people believe that they have carte blanche to use it anytime, anyplace, and in excessive amounts. Sadly, too many people don't know where or how to draw the line.
People who are honest after having consumed alcohol, will confirm that it has affected their vision, judgment, balance and reaction time in one way or another. However, those who are either not used to drinking, who have a small build or who have consumed large quantities, will be more seriously affected, than a person who only had one drink.
Mortuary statistics (2002) – MRC/UNISA
In Cape Town, Durban, Gauteng, and Port Elizabeth (PE), 45% of all non-natural deaths had blood alcohol concentrations (BACs) greater than or equal to 0.05g/100ml (Durban: 37%, Gauteng: 40%, Cape Town 53%, PE: 61%). The national figure was 46%. Levels of alcohol were particularly high for transport-related deaths and homicides, with 63% of transport-related deaths and 69% of homicides in PE, for example, having levels above the legal limit for driving (0.05g/100ml).
In Cape Town, Durban, Gauteng, and Port Elizabeth (PE), 45% of all non-natural deaths had blood alcohol concentrations (BACs) greater than or equal to 0.05g/100ml (Durban: 37%, Gauteng: 40%, Cape Town 53%, PE: 61%). The national figure was 46%. Levels of alcohol were particularly high for transport-related deaths and homicides, with 63% of transport-related deaths and 69% of homicides in PE, for example, having levels above the legal limit for driving (0.05g/100ml).
Trauma unit statistics (2001) – MRC
In Cape Town, Durban and PE, 39% of trauma patients had breath alcohol concentrations (BrACs) greater than or equal to 0.05g/100ml (Durban: 22%, Cape Town 36%, PE: 57%). Levels of alcohol were particularly high for transport- and violence-related injuries with, for example, 73% of patients with violence-related injuries in PE and 46% of patients with transport-related injuries in Cape Town having levels above the legal limit for driving (0.05g/100ml).
In Cape Town, Durban and PE, 39% of trauma patients had breath alcohol concentrations (BrACs) greater than or equal to 0.05g/100ml (Durban: 22%, Cape Town 36%, PE: 57%). Levels of alcohol were particularly high for transport- and violence-related injuries with, for example, 73% of patients with violence-related injuries in PE and 46% of patients with transport-related injuries in Cape Town having levels above the legal limit for driving (0.05g/100ml).
Alcohol and family violence (2000) – MRC
Between one-third to a half of arrestable in Cape Town, Durban, and Johannesburg charged with offences categorised as “family violence” reported being under the influence of alcohol at the time of the alleged offence.
Between one-third to a half of arrestable in Cape Town, Durban, and Johannesburg charged with offences categorised as “family violence” reported being under the influence of alcohol at the time of the alleged offence.
Alcohol is therefore a potent drug, killing our communities and families. One needs to be more considerate the next time they take a sip, because your sip could cause pain and trauma to many people.
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What about the mothers that drink during pregancy. Are they aware of the consequences?
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