April is held as National Alcohol Awareness Month to promote awareness about the ill effects of intoxication. Intoxicating drinks and drugs induce various risky behaviors in people, especially immature teenagers.
Drunken Driving
Drunk driving or drugged driving is the most hazardous on this list. This problem has reached epic proportions in all American states and their western counterparts. In 2014 alone, over 24000 people died in alcohol related traffic crashes. It is predicted that every 3 out of 10 Americans will be involved in an alcohol related accident in their lives.
The major problem is that underage drunken driver’s speed for thrills. They think they are adventurous and daring but they do not realize that they put not only their lives at risk but also the lives of millions of others who share the road with them. Never mix driving and drinking.
If you are drunk, then ask your sober friend to drop you at your place. Otherwise, walk the distance or take a cab. You can even book into a nearby hotel to stay the night but do not drive a vehicle after being drunk. At least 12 hours should pass after your last drink for you to start driving again. The laws relating to DUI (Driving under Influence) and DWI (Driving while intoxicated) are very strict and there are lots of harsh penalties imposed on offenders.
Fetal Alcohol Syndrome
Another terrible consequence of drinking is the Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS). This is the leading cause of mental retardation. It reduces the IQ of children and creates learning disabilities. Even simple activities using mental and motor skills are beyond the capacity of children with FAS. Maternal alcohol use is a terrible torture for the children. If you doubt you are pregnant, never drink even a drop of alcohol after that. Otherwise your child will face the consequence of your actions. Remember, it is always better to be safe than sorry.
Other risks
Apart from the above, various other serious crimes like child abuse, rape, etc. are also committed under the influence of alcohol. It is high time we put a full stop to these dangerous crimes.
Stop drinking and spread the word in this Alcohol Awareness Month.
Originally posted 2016-12-11 14:41:09.