In a recent report compiled by the NHS Confederation and the Royal College Of Physicians, it was revealed that alcohol-related conditions cost the health service 2.7 billion pounds a year!
Youch.
Apparently that figure is double what it was five years ago and is said to be placing “an unsustainable burden” on the NHS. One of the “solutions” proposed is a 532 pound charge to anyone who ends up in hospital as a result of drinking themselves stupid.
My feelings?
Until our culture stops viewing excess drinking as a minor misdemeanor, comparable to a parking violation, not much will change.
What actually scared me most about this report was the revelation that one quarter of the UK population now drinks at levels considered “hazardous” to health.
That’s insane! It’s totally irresponsible and out of control … and the fact that we tolerate it shows just how far peoples’ values have become skewed.
If you don’t share my view that excessive drink makes people obnoxious, aggressive and a total hazard to regular, considerate people who manage their consumption responsibly … then try putting yourself in the shoes of the poor souls tasked with managing the fallout.
Paramedics and police who are abused verbally and physically. Peaceful people who are subjected to abuse and exposed to potentially dangerous violence.
And if you are forced to defend yourself because these selfish clowns won’t just disappear and leave you alone, now you’re exposed to legal recourse and potential criminal charges if you hurt them. Poor babies!
But we tolerate them and hardly blink when there is an escalation. All in a night’s work. Don’t worry mate. Sleep it off. Here’s a slap on the wrist that changes absolutely nothing. Only if you get caught behind the wheel of a car will you now face real sanction … and by then, maybe way too late.
What does this have to do with fat loss?
In my humble opinion, everything. If 25% of our population is harming themselves and exposing others to unwanted nastiness, what on earth do you think they’re doing to themselves.
Their mental health? Their livers?
Don’t kid yourself … just because we are told “healthy” limits are 2 units a day for men, doesn’t change the fact that alcohol is a protoplasmic poison that kills virtually all the living cells it comes in contact with.
Not too serious on occasion? Maybe. Assuming you are not in someone else’s face.
But over time alcohol contributes nothing but excess calories and physiological stress.
But it’s just a little social lubrication. Stop being such a party pooper. Yeah, you’re right. Hell, I drink too on occasions. But I also am under no illusions as to the damage it’s doing to my system.
I justify it by saying that I don’t become offensive because I never get drunk. I’m an adult, so please leave me alone to conduct myself responsibly. If I want to hurt myself to a “manageable” degree, that’s my business. Go harass the “real” criminals.
Fine … but when the wheels fall off who pays the bill?
Those 25% (I’d bet the number is diplomatically conservative) will get sick in later life. Heart attacks, stroke, hypertension, circulatory disease etc. And they’ll all blame it on family history, or just “getting old”. And the health care system will be expected to pick up the pieces.
Is it really worth that much to you?
I used to pride myself on the amount of alcohol I could consume with negligible visible impact.
Today I pride myself on drinking a tiny fraction of what I used to. I still have just as much fun. And I feel infinitely better for it.
Perhaps I’m just getting old?
