Alcohol and Drinking in Bhutan

A group drinks to celebrate Rimdro together

Alcohol is one of the most used and a misused drugs known to man. It is a social issue. The habit of drinking had wrapped its arms around our society and is slowly strangling society. It has disastrous effects on health, career and one’s family life.

One reason why alcohol is misused is that it is accepted in society. People drink to be sociable. Many restaurants and shops offer alcohol on their menus. Alcohol is usually included in celebrations or family and social gatherings. For example, we cannot do away with alcohol items during Rimdros.

Drinking is picked up at an early age just for the sake of fun or fashion. It is usually shown by parents. Children copy their parents, elders and try the drinks secretly. By and by the casual drinkers become chain drinkers. It becomes a habit that dies hard. The drinker thinks that it has become necessary for him. He argues that drinking eases his tension and helps him concentrate his mind on problems of serious nature. His mistaken belief costs him money as well as health. Drinking, they say, causes cancer. It is injurious to health. But the hardened drinker listens to no advice or warning. He can give up this evil provided he builds up his willpower. He takes offense if you advise him.

One of the risks of alcohol abuse is health problems. The leading cause of death is cirrhosis of the liver.  Not only that alcohol also causes damage to the brain, heart, kidneys, and digestive system. Cancer of the mouth, throat, esophagus, liver, and stomach becomes a threat as well. The well known south Indian actor Kalabhavan Mani dies from alcohol recently. Mani was 45 years old, and he knew he has liver cirrhosis. Instead of making it his priority not to consume alcohol, he forces himself to drink. He was not a child to be forced to do something he does not want to do.

Lately, scientists have been saying that a little bit of alcohol with dinner is not only okay but it is also good for you. This is true in moderation.  They say that if you drink a small amount of alcohol it will help you sleep. Also if you drink a moderate amount every day it can help your health in the long run. A moderate amount is considered to be 1 drink for women daily and 2 drinks for men daily. This can help bring your HDL level up, which helps protect your heart against disease that causes heart attacks. Also a moderate amount of alcohol every day can lower your risk of developing diabetes by increasing your insulin sensitivity. It can also raise ‘good cholesterol’ levels.

If you take advantage of that and drink in excess there are effects on the health. It calms you down and slows down some organs in your body. Alcohol, therefore, has short-term effects on your body. If you are addicted to alcohol or drink a lot of alcohol for a long period of time you will shorten your life span by about 12 years, and get a lot of serious side effects. 

Alcoholism can definitely take a toll and causes them in their workplace, and even lose their career. The ‘hangovers’ sleep late and wake up late, and once they are in their workplace, they only hang back. The works are stalled as they malingered.

As a result of alcohol abuse, children and other family members are being mistreated. Alcoholics are causing spousal abuse, and in some cases, even death. There are many women in RENEW, who are badly beaten by their husbands. Families are being destroyed and children are living a life full of suffering. Alcohol totally consumes them; all their thoughts and actions are somehow associated with the drug. Personal relationships can be torn apart. The consequences of alcohol misuse are serious in many cases; it has an effect on self, towards their family and friends, and children maltreatment. Many rapes in Bhutan are related to alcoholism.

Alcohol is the most accessible in all places. Easy access to alcohol is a key reason why alcohol abuse and alcoholism are such a common problems in Bhutan. Alcohol abuse means drinking more alcohol than is socially, psychologically, or physically healthy. In Bhutan, alcoholism is associated with a kind of "manhood. We have passion for spurious liquor is in line with all those 3rd rate characters who are shown in the movies and roam in the street; who pride themselves at consuming such so-called liquor and going around. We admire our life, and enjoyed drinks. But it would be a foolish death to die from alcohol.