Thursday, January 31, 2008
If alcohol becomes a scourge
“Who has woe? Who has sorrow? Who has contentions? Who has complaints? Who has wounds without cause? Who has redness of eyes? Those who linger long on the wine, those who go in search of mixed wines? Do not look at the wine when it is red, when it sparkles in the cup, when it swirls around smoothly; at the last it bites like a serpent, and stings like a viper. … They have struck me, but I was not hurt; they have beaten me, but I didn’t feel it. When shall I awoke, that I may seek another drink?” (Proverbs 23:29-35).
The writer of this Proverb expressed very well the effect of alcohol.
Have you noticed already how cheap is any kind of alcohol in the Philippines
Alcohol is a depressant. It slows down the function of all the body’s parts. Vital functions can be slowed down to the point of death. Under its influence people choke to death at family picnics, drown at the beach, fall asleep while driving
The devil alcohol creates a feeling of freedom without worries and euphoria. Our feelings are free flowing. Everyday worries are replaced with a carefree spirit. Wow, I really feel top today…!
I myself join the circle of other fellows around, more or less regular social drinking, habitual drinking with meals (beer or wine!). When I stayed in France, I couldn’t believe that for many Frenchmen a breakfast consists of bread (baguette), cheese, coffee
Once we reach the addictive stage we are already in danger. Gulping drinks and secret drinking daily to relieve stress makes one lose control and being unable to stop drinking create drinking habits. Danger is with us if we lose control over when, where and how much we drink. We loose our self-respect and the performance of our work is seriously affected. Loss of interests in everything (except in drinking) means loss of job, conflicts with the law, loss of friends, mental deterioration even death…
I still remember one of my best colleagues friend in Germany, who was not able to stop drinking even after several alcoholism cures and months of treatments in centres for alcoholic and drug addicts. Unintentional but thoughtless acceptance of drinking made him a victim of alcohol. Even herbal medicines sometimes contain alcohol - a terrible sentence. I spare myself the trouble to explain to how, how my friend died… .
Every time I enjoy a drink in acceptable measurements I try asking myself: Am I drinking too heavily? Do I sneak drinks? do i want to drink because of frustrations or problems or just because the world is so nice and pink tinted and life is so wonderful in the Philippines?
During this week a Filipina widow asked me to assist her for the widow pension application. Her (expat
Related Posts:
A “typical” foreigner’s behaviour?Boon or bane?
Does religion makes one religious?
The human scourge - or “Bahala na”
# 1 AmericanLola said:
Yes, the Proverbs has a very clear description of the problems that come with drinking too much! And when we lived in a small town, there were at least 3 expat men who did not but drink from dawn to late at night, in front of their houses, and in local establishments. I don’t know if they are still alive, or if they are still in the Philippine because we moved away from that town. I imagine it began with recreational drinking and moved to escape drinking when the invasion of relatives and general loneliness got to them. You have given a good warning!
# 2 Klaus said:
Thanks American Lola for stopping by. Yeah, from year to year we also observed the same thing here in Davao City, and we moved away from “such friends” - last week the 4th guy, we met before, died…
# 3 Migs said:
Thank you for this post. It is a well-timed and appropriately prophylactic prose. You’re right in saying that life is wonderful in the Philippines - which, of course, is not to deny that some people drink excessively because they think otherwise.
And secret drinking! How awful that is! One thing is for sure: people watch. They see. There aren’t any secrets in cases of abuse.
Cheers! Hope to read more anon!
# 4 Klaus said:
Hi Migs, thanks for your comment. Yeah, you are so very right. Actually I could have post many stories about this topic, but some readers might get bored. Anyway, salamat kaayo for stopping by. Let’s enjoy life in the Philippines…