Beyond Haram: Understanding the Dangers of Standard Drinking
Introduction
When it comes to the risks associated with alcohol, Muslims have an extra thing to worry about: the spiritual consequences of drinking. But that’s not to say that other faiths don’t face health risks from alcohol consumption. In fact, any drinker can be at risk for some of the following health problems:
Understanding Standard Drinks
Before we get into the health risks of drinking, let’s first take a look at what constitutes a standard drink. In the United States, a standard drink is any drink that contains 0.6 ounces of pure alcohol. This could be a 12-ounce beer, 5-ounce glass of wine, or 1.5-ounce shot of liquor.
Some people think that standard drinks never cause health risks. Did you know that it is no more than a myth?
Cardiovascular Problems and Multiple Types of Cancer
When you drink alcohol, it can increase your risk for a number of health problems, including cardiovascular problems and multiple types of cancer.
CARDIOVASCULAR PROBLEMS
Alcohol can cause high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke. It can also make these problems worse if you already have them.
MULTIPLE TYPES OF CANCER
Drinking alcohol increases your risk for many types of cancer, including cancer of the breast, mouth, throat, esophagus, voice box, liver, colon, and rectum.
Mental Health Problems Associated with Drinking
When you drink, you’re not just putting your physical health at risk. You’re also jeopardizing your mental health.
Drinking can lead to a range of mental health problems, including anxiety, depression, and blackouts. If you’re already struggling with mental health issues, drinking can make them a lot worse. In fact, alcohol is one of the most common triggers for suicide.
So it’s important to be honest with yourself about how drinking is affecting your mental wellbeing. If you’re not happy with the way alcohol is impacting your life, it’s time to quit.
Miscarriage, Stillbirth, and Weakening of the Immune System
Alcohol can have a devastating effect on pregnant women, as well as their unborn babies. Even moderate levels of alcohol intake can increase the risk of miscarriage and stillbirth, as well as cause lifelong damage to your baby’s organs, brain and nervous system.
On top of that, alcohol can also weaken your immune system. Excessive drinking (especially binge drinking) impairs your body’s natural ability to fight off infection and illness, making you more vulnerable to diseases like Covid-19, pneumonia and tuberculosis. So, if you’re looking to stay in peak health, it’s best to avoid drinking altogether. The recent Covid-19 pandemic proved that drinkers are mostly drinking communities suffered the life loss.
Learning and Memory Problems Linked to Alcohol
Alcohol can also lead to learning and memory problems. Long-term use of alcohol can affect your ability to remember, recall information, and even think critically. It can also cause significant changes in your brain structure, leading to confusion, memory loss, and difficulty forming new memories. A single night of drinking can cause a decrease in the activity of certain areas of the brain involved in coordination, concentration and decision making.
Other Potential Health Risks of Alcoholic Drinks
Apart from cancer, cardiovascular problems, and mental health issues, there are many other health risks associated with drinking alcohol. Many of these serious health concerns can arise if you drink regularly.
Risky sexual behaviors, including unprotected sex or sex with multiple partners. These behaviors can result in unintended pregnancy or sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV.
Drinking also causes social problems, including family problems, job-related problems, and unemployment.
Conclusion
In conclusion, it is clear that alcohol consumption can lead to a variety of health problems. Muslims should be aware of these risks and should take measures to avoid them. Hence, they can not only protect their health from damage but can secure a good position in the hereafter.
Word Count: 641 words
