Many people are under the impression that those affected by illnesses such as alcoholism and drug addiction are ‘bad’ or ‘weak’ people. However, addiction is a chronic illness that those affected have absolutely no control over.

The problem with alcohol is that it is legally available and even socially acceptable. As well as making an appearance at the majority of social events, it is something that is bought as gifts for people for special occasions. Despite the fact that alcohol is an addictive chemical substance, the consumption of it is something that is widely encouraged in cultures around the world.

Excessive Alcohol Consumption

Those who drink alcohol in moderation have fewer risks of developing problems as those who binge drink or those who drink to excess regularly. Nevertheless, government warnings issued in early 2016 state that there is no level of alcohol that can be considered safe. In fact, there is no level of alcohol consumption that can reduce the risk of certain illnesses, including some forms of cancer and dementia.

Despite these warnings, though, many people around the UK continue to drink heavily, and many just cannot comprehend the link between alcohol and the hundreds of illnesses and diseases it can cause.

Fake Alcohol

With so many warnings regarding the dangers of excessive alcohol consumption, it is hard to believe that countless individuals are buying fake alcohol. Nonetheless, this continues to be a problem in parts of the UK, particularly Northern Ireland, where the Food Standards Agency (FSA) is warning of the dangers associated with these products.

Fake alcohol has appeared on streets around the country. And because it is often made with dangerous chemicals that are commonly found in nail polish remover, screen wash, and anti-freeze, it can lead to disastrous consequences including coma, blindness, and death.

Spotting Fake Alcohol

The FSA in Northern Ireland has issued guidelines to help businesses and individuals identify fake alcohol, and they are hoping that it will help prevent more people from purchasing these dangerous substances.

They have urged the public to be on the lookout for fake versions of well-known spirits. Vodka is the spirit most widely counterfeited, so look for labels that do not look quite right or for brand names that you do not recognise. Tell-tale signs of fake alcohol include bottles that have been tampered with and brand names with spelling mistakes.

Fake alcohol tends to be sold at very low prices, and the FSA is warning people to be on the lookout for prices that seem too good to be true. If prices are really low, then chances are the product is fake. Businesses and individuals also need to make sure that they only buy alcohol from reputable sellers. Fake alcohol is typically sold by private individuals or small organisations.

Addictive Substance

While fake alcohol is extremely dangerous and can have fatal consequences, real alcohol can be equally dangerous to health if abused. Sadly, while most people can drink alcohol in moderation, for some it becomes a major problem that has a devastating effect on their entire lives.

Let’s not forget that alcohol is an addictive substance and one that affects almost every cell in the body. Those who do abuse alcohol are at risk of developing a dependence on it, and this brings with it a host of problems on a mental as well as physical level.

Alcoholism is a devastating addiction that leads to a number of health issues including depression, anxiety, diabetes, high blood pressure, liver disease, heart disease and some forms of cancer. It can also have an effect on a person’s lifestyle, with their ability to work affected. In addition, those affected by alcohol addiction may find that their relationships with their loved ones are damaged, often beyond repair.

Thankfully, alcohol addiction is an illness that can be treated and organisations such as Recovery Lighthouse work hard to ensure that as many people as possible can access the treatments they need to overcome their addictions.

Source:

  1. Belfast TelegraphÂ