South Africans are getting restless and the collective cold turkey brought by the nationwide lockdown has encouraged people to call for unbanning of alcohol in the country.
Frustrated South Africans launch petition to unban alcohol
We are currently on Day 19 of the lockdown. If it were not for President Cyril Ramaphosa’s extension, we would be two days away from freedom.
However, the growth of coronavirus (COVID-19) infections and fatalities has forced us indoors for at least another three weeks.
While this is for the health benefit of all South Africans, some have felt disgruntled by the thought of another 21 days or so without a drop of liquor.
This has since escalated into a full-blown campaign, where a petition was launched on Change.org to try and force Ramaphosa to reconsider his ban on alcohol.
Suffice it to say, the campaign was not received well by people with enough sense to understand the implications of such a controversial decision.
Five reasons why you should not sign the petition
Contrary to popular belief, alcohol consumption will not ease the boredom and frustrations of lockdown. If anything, alcohol poses great danger at a time like this.
Here are five reasons why you should not sign a petition calling for the unbanning of alcohol.
Alcohol can increase stress, anxiety and depression
Alcohol does create a fake sense of cheer with the dopamine you may receive from getting your hands on a bottle or two but the hangover, especially in self-isolation, may cause stress, anxiety and/or depression.
Alcohol can exacerbate weight gain
You may already be eating more than usual now that you’re at home. Adding the calories contained in gin, vodka or beer can be detrimental to your weight.
Excessive abuse can lead to liver and other chronic diseases
This is an age-old fact. Liquor is not good for the liver and damaging this crucial organ can hold serious life-threatening implications.
It negatively affects memory and learning
A healthy mind is essential to survive this lockdown and drinking alcohol can affect your memory negatively. For those working remotely, the impact of liquor consumption can have adverse effects on work output.
Your immune system becomes vulnerable, you don’t want that in 2020
The chief reason why more than half of the world is in quarantine is because COVID-19 is a direct threat to our immune systems. It is thus illogical to allow the sale of alcohol, especially in South Africa, where the majority of our population struggles with alcohol and drug abuse.
