ALCOHOL’S FAVOURITE DESTINATION

EMERGENCY ROOM!

Working on the medical wards for most of my years as a doctor, I observed at a distance many road traffic accident cases rush through the doors of the Emergency Department (ED).However, it wasn’t until I spent six months working in the ED that my perspective truly changed.

Yes, there were still road traffic accident cases-many of them tragic, suddenly ending the lives of friends and loved ones. People screamed in pain and disbelief over the unexpected news. One moment, life was intact; the next moment, it was gone. No time to prepare, no chance to say goodbye.

But amidst these accident cases were drowsiness, vomiting blood, seizures, staggering gait, unconsciousness, tremors, agitation, confusion, hallucinations, psychosis etc. At first, you might assume a variety of underlying causes. But again and again, there was a common variable –Alcohol. Slowly, it crept into the emergency room throughout the shifts, announcing itself with an array of symptoms.

It was all fun-until it wasn’t. It was “just” drinks -until it exceeded the limit.

The liver begins to scream in pain.

The heart stretchesout and weakly pumps.

The brain getsfogged and oesophagus bleeds.

Much of these are preventable!

We are all advised to stay within specific weekly limits —not more than 14 units of alcohol a weekon regular bases. Spread over 3 or more days with alcohol free days.

This is simply to raise awareness-Alcohol intoxication is real. Alcohol withdrawal is real. The complications are real.

Let’s drink in moderation and know our limits even in moments of fun. Let’s prioritise our health even as we celebrate. Let’s spread the word and help reduce the burden of alcohol-related complications.

Edna Mensah