Have your say: Should government change the liquor laws?
Vote in our poll and let us know if you think the South African government needs to tighten the laws around liquor.
Excessive alcohol use is one of the biggest problems that South Africa is dealing with.
Underage drinking is also a cause for concern.
In July, President Cyril Ramaphosa said the country needs to have a frank conversation about how it consumed alcohol. He was speaking after the devastating news that 21 youth and underage children died at the Enyobeni tavern in the Eastern Cape.
READ: ‘We have lost future doctors, nurses’ - emotional tributes to 21 Enyobeni teens
A recent report by Business Insider says government has proposed amending liquor laws and regulations. According to the publication, the Beer Association of South Africa is willing to support changes to the government's alcohol rules and regulations as long as they are supported by "empirical" research.
In 2019, Business Insider reported that South Africa has some of the heaviest drinkers in the world. This is after a report by the World Health Organisation showed that the country has the fifth highest consumption rate in the world.
One of the leading contributors for alcohol abuse is reportedly binge drinking - the consumption of an excessive amount of alcohol in a short period of time. In an interview with WebMd, Kara Nassour, a Licensed Professional Counselor, said some of the reasons people are addicted to alcohol is because they use it as a tool to cope.
“Alcohol use disorder most often develops when alcohol becomes a tool for a person to cope with their emotions,” she said.
“People may rely on alcohol to avoid feeling stress, anxiety, sadness, anger, grief, to forget about responsibilities, or to feel more confident socialising. To understand the addiction, you have to ask what function the alcohol serves for someone, even if it comes at a great cost, ” she added.
READ: Young people need to drink more alcohol - Japanese government
According to Alcohol Rehab Guide, some signs of alcohol abuse include:
- Experiencing temporary blackouts or short-term memory loss.
- Exhibiting signs of irritability and extreme mood swings.
- Making excuses for drinking such as to relax, deal with stress or feel normal.
- Choosing drinking over other responsibilities and obligations.
- Becoming isolated and distant from friends and family members.
- Drinking alone or in secrecy.
- Feeling hungover when not drinking.
- Changing appearance and group of acquaintances you hang out with.
If you struggle with alcohol abuse, get into contact with:
- Alcoholics Anonymous South Africa
- South African Depression and Anxiety Group
READ: The intoxicating drink that is gripping South African teens
Image courtesy of iStock/ @nixki