Cut Back on Drinking Alcohol- New Year Resolution – By Dr Harold Gunatillake

I am sharing this Article on alcohol as we prepare to celebrate New Year’s Eve 2025. As a united community of friends and family, this is a time for us to wish each other a prosperous year. The moment at midnight is especially magical, as fireworks fill the sky, signalling our departure from 2024 and the welcoming of the 2025 year. We all aspire to be better, filled with hope and peace.

As we move forward, we must take a moment to reflect on the possibilities: Will peace prevail, or are there more challenges ahead? Will we witness the continued creation of devastating weapons? Only time will reveal the answers.

For now, let us hold on to the power of hope for a peaceful world. This hope keeps us optimistic and ready to face the new year’s challenges.

Reducing your alcohol intake isn’t one size fits all. You could go all in by challenging yourself to participate in “Dry January” or limit your weekly drinks. Either way, your mind and body are sure to benefit.

The contradiction of enjoying alcohol while challenging common myths about drinking. It’s time to confront these misconceptions head-on and promote a more informed perspective on responsible consumption

Wherever you visit friends at parties, celebrations, or when you are feeling down, alcohol seems to be the first item on the agenda.

People become livelier and more relaxed with the first drink, and social bonding becomes visible.

So, moderate alcohol consumption can promote social interaction and reduce social anxiety, making it easier for people to connect.

So, social drinking at parties and with friends and family causes no harm unless eventually it can lead to binge drinking or problem drinking, and eventually becoming an alcoholic.

Statistically, about 32.5% of the world’s population drinks alcohol, equivalent to 2.4 billion

people. This includes 25% of women (0.9 billion women) and 39% of men (1.5 billion men).

In Sri Lanka, 28% of the population consumes alcohol within a given year. Alcohol consumption varies by gender and age:

Gender: 48% of men and only 1.2% of women drink alcohol.

Age: The highest prevalence of drinking among men occurs in the 30–39 age group, while for women, it is most common in those under 20 years old.

Heavy, episodic drinking patterns are characteristic of alcohol consumption in Sri Lanka. For instance, 31.7% of drinkers consume more than 60 grams of alcohol at least once a month.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), Romania is the country with the highest alcohol consumption per person, followed by Georgia, Czechia, Latvia, and Germany.

Russia and Australia have the highest prevalence of alcohol dependence overall, with 2.61 per cent and 2.58 per cent,

respectively. According to the WHO, the US has the lowest rate of alcohol dependence, with only 1.92 per cent.

There are cardiovascular benefits among social drinkers.

The relationship between moderate alcohol consumption and cardiovascular health has been a topic of considerable research interest. Social drinkers, who typically consume alcohol in moderation, may experience certain cardiovascular benefits.

Studies have shown that light to moderate alcohol intake is often associated with a reduced risk of several cardiovascular conditions. Moderate drinking is generally defined as one drink per day for women and one to two drinks per day for men. Research indicates that moderate alcohol consumption can lead to beneficial effects, such as:

Reduced Risk of Heart Disease: Epidemiological studies consistently suggest that moderate alcohol consumption is linked to lower rates of coronary artery disease and circulatory issues.

Increased HDL Cholesterol: Alcohol, particularly red wine, has been noted to potentially raise levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, which is often termed “good” cholesterol. This effect may improve heart health by helping clear harmful low- density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol from the bloodstream.

Stress Reduction: Moderate alcohol consumption has been associated with reduced stress signalling in the brain, particularly in the amygdala—an area involved in stress response. Lower stress levels can positively affect cardiovascular health by reducing the incidence of hypertension and related conditions.

Contrary statistical observations:

An observational analysis involving UK Biobank participants revealed that individuals who engage in light to moderate alcohol consumption exhibit the lowest risk of heart disease, followed closely by those who abstain from alcohol. However, it is essential to note that light to moderate drinkers typically maintain healthier lifestyles compared to abstainers, which likely contributes to their improved cardiovascular health.

Furthermore, genetic evidence derived from the same population suggests that all levels of alcohol intake are correlated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Notably, while the risk associated with light alcohol consumption is relatively modest, it escalates significantly with higher levels of intake, even at thresholds currently deemed “low risk.”

At the end of a long, demanding day, there’s nothing quite like a moment of relaxation as you settle into your favourite chair. With the soft glow of the evening light enveloping the room, you pour yourself a refreshing drink—a soothing remedy for the day’s stress. The comforting sip is a well-deserved reward, allowing you to savour the tranquillity and let go of the worries that lingered throughout the day.

Family Relationships and Alcohol Consumption

Sharing a drink at the end of the day can strengthen family relationships, which is intriguing and meaningful. This ritual can create opportunities for connection and intimacy among family members, allowing them to unwind and share their daily experiences in a relaxed atmosphere.

Sharing a drink can be a bonding activity that brings family members together, allowing them to unwind after a stressful day. This social aspect of drinking can encourage open conversations and strengthen emotional connections. When family members gather to enjoy a beverage, it often creates a relaxed atmosphere that fosters laughter, storytelling, and the exchange of life experiences, promoting a sense of togetherness. However, it’s essential to recognise that if social drinking turns into excessive drinking, it can lead to family breakdowns.

Cultural Importance: Alcohol plays a significant role in many cultural, religious and social rituals and celebrations.

Alcohol has been a vital element in the tapestry of ancient cultures, woven into the fabric of spiritual and communal rituals across various civilisations.

Ancient Egypt:

In the enchanting realm of Ancient Egypt, beer and wine flowed abundantly, serving as sacred offerings to the gods. During lavish festivals, these libations were presented as tokens of reverence, while in the sombre rituals of burial, they accompanied the deceased into the afterlife. The Egyptians believed these beverages possessed profound spiritual significance, especially when offered to Osiris, the revered god of the afterlife, as a pathway to honour and connect with the divine.

Ancient Sumer:

In the cradles of civilisation, the Sumerians celebrated creativity and craftsmanship through the veneration of Ninkasi, the captivating goddess of beer. Devotees composed beautiful prayers and melodic hymns, extolling her virtues and seeking blessings for bountiful brews.

Ancient Babylon:

In bustling Babylon, beer reigned as the favoured beverage, quenching thirst and bringing people together. The Babylonians revered deeply for deities associated with wine, including a goddess who embodied its spirit. These sacred drinks were not merely enjoyed; they were integral to sacrificial rituals, offered as heartfelt gifts to appease the gods and forge a connection between the mortal and the divine.

Ancient Greece and Rome:

In the vibrant societies of Ancient Greece and Rome, wine was more than a drink; it symbolised life. Central to religious ceremonies and social gatherings, wine became a divine vessel through which people paid homage to Dionysus and Bacchus, the jubilant gods of wine. With every sip, participants sought to embrace themes of fertility, abundance, and unity with the cosmos, revelling in the shared experience of communion.

Mesopotamian Cultures:

Throughout the rich tapestry of Mesopotamian cultures, various gods of wine were revered and celebrated in myth and ritual as embodiments of pleasure and the harvest.

China:

Meanwhile, in ancient China, around 1,116 B.C., an imperial edict emerged advocating for the moderate consumption of alcohol. This guidance reflected a balanced approach, promoting the enjoyment of alcohol while ensuring it remained a positive force in society.

Overall, the ancient use of alcohol in rituals and communal practices was a vibrant celebration of life, a means to strengthen bonds within communities, transcend the everyday, and touch the spiritual realm.

The author of this article consistently enjoys two small beers daily during his indoor walks, averaging 35,000 steps, which is refreshing and helps him achieve more steps.

Moderate beer consumption may have some health benefits, including:

Cardiovascular health

Beer can increase high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol and reduce arterial stiffness. This can help lower the risk of cardiovascular disease.

Brain Health

Beer contains silicon, which can help protect the brain from compounds that may cause cognitive diseases—moderate beer drinkers maybe 23% less likely to develop Alzheimer’s and dementia.

Bone health

Beer contains silicon, which may increase bone density and help build stronger bones.

Blood sugar control

Moderate beer consumption may help improve blood sugar control.

Beer also contains other nutrients, including:

Calcium, Copper, Iron, Magnesium, Manganese, Selenium, Fluoride, Phosphorus, Potassium, Riboflavin, and Choline.

However, excessive beer consumption can negate these positive effects and even lead to additional health concerns. Alcohol contributes to total calorie intake and may increase weight when consumed in excess. Any amount of alcohol increases the risk of cancer.

I hope you enjoyed reading this article on the crucial topic of alcohol consumption. This article does not encourage TTs to start drinking alcohol.

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