Fight the curse of booze abuse
AS part of its commitment to readers, Post often shines a spotlight on issues that threaten to undermine longcherished social norms and values.
We chose to focus last week on the curse of alcohol abuse – an evil that is fast destroying family life in the predominantly Indian areas of Chatsworth and Phoenix.
It is estimated that on average, five other people are affected when one person becomes addicted to alcohol.
As our reports last week reveal, local welfare organisations and NGOs are particularly concerned about the mushrooming of illegal shebeens and taverns on virtually every street in these areas.
It is probably fair to say it’s far easier to find a shebeen or bottle store in Chatsworth and Phoenix these days than a library or health clinic.
We cannot afford to see families destroyed because an alcoholic among them has become physically and verbally abusive; fails to provide proper care for their dependants; forces families to suffer financially because they are poor providers; and steals from family members to satisfy their dependence on alcohol.
Even more concerning are figures that confirm that alcohol and substance abuse is a major contributing factor to crime in our country.
It is often at the heart of so-called contact crimes like murder, attempted murder, rape, sexual assault and robbery which are becoming so prevalent these days.
Particularly distressing is the increase in cases of domestic violence.
It is estimated that about 70% of domestic violence is associated with alcohol.
The rot has to stop and it is going to require a joint and co-ordinated effort by people in these communities, community leaders, the police, welfare organisations, government departments, faith leaders and counsellors to work together to bring about relief.
A good start can be made by police clamping down on illegal shebeens and taverns where alcohol is far too easily accessible.
The owners of these dens of degeneration know that alcohol abusers usually find solace in the company of other heavy drinkers and offer their customers credit facilities and a sense of belonging to an intimate circle or community. And that’s the root of the problem.
The campaign calls for active support from leaders in the community who can assist police in identifying these illegal watering holes.
To earn the people’s respect (as well as their vote in the next election), community leaders need get involved in the fight against alcohol abuse.