It is somewhat strange that here in Guyana while the authorities have aggressively embarked upon a very aggressive ant-smoking campaign they are relatively quiet with respect to the over indulgence in alcohol use which has done much more harm to our society and continues to do so than the former. It is not that smoking is better than the use of alcohol but the reality and facts show clearly s that alcohol abuse and alcoholism has been the underpin of so many societal disasters. Simply put the behaviour of a person who consumes a pack of cigarettes in a day will remain the same but the behaviour of a person under the influence of alcohol is unpredictable and we have living experience of the havoc a drunk can create. A simple example which shows the double standard with respect to these two substances is the fact that cigarette packs by law have to carry a label stating the harmful health effect of cigarettes but alcoholic beverages are not required to do the same.
The ills of alcohol abuse are well established and these include health, social and economic problems. With respect to health problems the associated problems are many because a person becomes less productive on his/her job which in turn has adverse consequences on the national economy; as a result may lode hid her job which will result in suffering to his family, particularly if he is the sole breadwinner; decline in health puts pressure on the health care system. On the social side an alcoholic can become a liability to society and a rejected individual because of his/her behaviour which could deepen the problem.
Equally dangerous is the fact that so many road accidents, which have resulted in so many fatalities, loss of limbs and immeasurable suffering and indelible emotional scars and loss of property, have been caused by drunken drivers.
According to the world Health Organisation (WHO) road traffic injuries represent about 25% of worldwide injury-related deaths (the leading cause) with an estimated 1.2 million deaths each year Major factors in accidents include driving under the influence of alcohol or other drugs; inattentive driving; crash compatibility between vehicles; driving while fatigued or unconscious; encounters with road hazards such as snow, potholes, and crossing animals; or reckless driving.
“…Alcoholic beverages are global commodities and drinking is a widespread social custom, but alcohol is also a major source of health and social problems, in developing societies as elsewhere. Through controls and other prevention measures, the burden of disease and disability can be reduced. Under the auspices of the World Health Organization, an international group of scholars analyzes the many sides of the picture, with a focus on Africa, Latin America, Asia, Oceania and indigenous societies within developed countries.”
Another study noted that it is a fact that every action of man affects the society, and it is true with Alcoholism as well. Alcoholism problem is an issue of a personal life of an individual and his or her own family, but indirectly it is the society too who has to bear the cost. Number of efforts is being made to find out the extent to which Alcoholism has taken roots in the society and the degree to which Alcoholism is affecting the society as a whole. But it is also true that some forms of Alcohol have been, since centuries, exploited by the society for the economical and commercial purposes as they have properties, which act as a useful agent for humans.
It is not that the use of alcohol is entirely bad but it is the abuse of it that the source of so many problems. In fact, many forms of alcohol are used for religious purposes and many alcoholic beverages increase nutrient value in many food items and also have medicinal, antiseptic, and analgesic properties as well. Drinking one glass of alcohol gives soothing effect to the soul, provides immense pleasure of eating and creates a congenial atmosphere at home and all around. 
The production of alcohol has also been a source of good revenue for the states adding to their exchequer. It is also used as a fuel in many places. Brazil produces the largest quantity of Alcohol fuel in the world, extracting from sugarcane and sugar beets. Since February 2007, around 80% of new vehicles which were sold in Brazil run on hybrid fuel and in 7th March 2007, US president Geroge W Bush signed an agreement with Brazilian president Lula for its import to be used as an alternative fuel.
So is it because of the huge economic and commercial benefits associated with the alcohol industry we are going soft on alcohol abuse? One would only hope this is not so because the safety and health of a nation should always take precedence over economic and commercial benefits of a particular industry.
As we celebrate the Hindu Festival of Phagwah today it is hoped that we would heed the advice of the Hindu religious organisations and leaders not to desecrate the occasion by making it one characterised by the use of alcohol.
And let us hope too that good sense will prevail on our roads and homes so to ensure there are no disasters as we have had in the past because of drunken individuals and to make the colourful festival truly of joy and rejoicing of the triumph of good over evil.