Alcohol and Drinking in Bhutan

A group drinks to celebrate Rimdro together

The Scourge of Alcohol Abuse

Alcohol is one of the most widely used—and most misused—drugs known to humanity. It is not merely a personal failing but a deep social issue. The habit of drinking has wrapped its arms around our society and is slowly strangling it. Its effects on health, career, and family life are disastrous.

One reason alcohol is so commonly misused is that society accepts it. People drink to be sociable. Many restaurants and shops offer alcohol on their menus. Alcohol is routinely included in celebrations, family gatherings, and social events. For example, we cannot seem to do away with alcohol even during Rimdros (religious rituals).

Drinking often begins at an early age, initially for fun or out of a sense of fashion. Parents usually model the behavior. Children copy their parents and elders, secretly trying drinks. Gradually, casual drinkers become chain drinkers. It becomes a habit that dies hard. The drinker comes to believe that alcohol is necessary for him. He argues that drinking eases his tension and helps him concentrate on serious problems. This mistaken belief costs him both money and health. Drinking, they say, causes cancer. It is injurious to health. Yet the hardened drinker listens to no advice or warning. He could give up this evil if he built up his willpower, but instead he takes offense when advised.

Health Risks

One major risk of alcohol abuse is serious health problems. The leading cause of death among heavy drinkers is cirrhosis of the liver. Alcohol also damages the brain, heart, kidneys, and digestive system. Cancer of the mouth, throat, esophagus, liver, and stomach becomes a real threat as well. The well-known South Indian actor Kalabhavan Mani recently died from alcohol. Mani was only 45 years old and knew he had liver cirrhosis. Yet instead of making it his priority not to drink, he forced himself to drink. He was not a child who could be forced to do something against his will.

Moderation vs. Excess

Lately, scientists have been saying that a small amount of alcohol with dinner is not only acceptable but may even be good for you. This is true only in moderation. They say a small amount of alcohol can help you sleep. Drinking a moderate amount daily may benefit your health in the long run. A moderate amount is considered to be one drink per day for women and two drinks per day for men. This can raise your HDL ("good cholesterol") levels, which helps protect your heart against disease and heart attacks. Moderate daily alcohol can also lower your risk of developing diabetes by increasing insulin sensitivity.

However, if you take advantage of that license and drink in excess, the effects on health are severe. Alcohol calms you down but also slows down vital organs. It has serious short-term effects. If you become addicted or drink heavily over a long period, you may shorten your lifespan by about 12 years and suffer many serious side effects.

Workplace and Career Damage

Alcoholism takes a heavy toll in the workplace and can destroy careers. The "hangovers" lead to sleeping late and waking up late. Once at work, such individuals only hang back. Projects stall as they malinger.

Harm to Family and Society

As a result of alcohol abuse, children and other family members are often mistreated. Alcoholics cause spousal abuse and, in some cases, even death. Many women at RENEW (Respect, Educate, Nurture, and Empower Women) have been badly beaten by their husbands. Families are destroyed, and children are left to live lives full of suffering. Alcohol totally consumes the abuser—all their thoughts and actions somehow become associated with the drug. Personal relationships are torn apart. The consequences of alcohol misuse are serious not only for the self but also for family, friends, and especially children. Many rapes in Bhutan are related to alcoholism.

Accessibility and Cultural Attitudes

Alcohol is accessible nearly everywhere. This easy access is a key reason why alcohol abuse and alcoholism are such common problems in Bhutan. Alcohol abuse means drinking more alcohol than is socially, psychologically, or physically healthy. In Bhutan, alcoholism is tragically associated with a kind of "manhood." Our passion for spurious liquor aligns us with those third-rate characters shown in movies and roaming the streets—people who pride themselves on consuming such so-called liquor. We admire our lives and enjoy our drinks. But it would be a foolish death indeed to die from alcohol.