MB, MRC Psych.,
Madam, - I did not see the recent Prime Time programme on alcohol abuse or the subsequent discussion programme. However, since then I have heard the many shocked reactions of friends and acquaintances as well as some of the follow-up commentary in the media.
"What is new?" I ask myself. The most recent damning statistics on alcohol usage in Ireland are in the public domain since the publication of the Interim Report of the Strategic Task Force on Alcohol last May. Alcohol associated problems, such as domestic violence, public order offences, parasuicidal and suicidal behaviour are often covered by the media. Did it take shocking visual imagery to jolt people temporarily to their senses to begin to take stock of what is happening to us in Irish society?
It is indeed time to shake ourselves out of the pervasive sense of denial which protects us from confronting and challenging ourselves individually and collectively as to why alcohol has become such a destructive force in our society. Blaming the drinks industry, the publicans, the licensing laws, etc. may all be legitimate, but this should not deflect responsibility from ourselves.
As a society in many ways we continue to behave in an immature fashion and no more so than in our relationship with alcohol. Living for the moment, seeking immediate gratification for oneself, risk-taking behaviour, showing little respect for ourselves or others are all part of this spectrum of behaviour. The self-defeating and almost self-satisfied statements that alcohol abuse is part of our identity and culture also militate against a rational discussion of the pertinent issues.
Policy-makers, legislators, and health service providers cannot solve this worsening problem without society taking ownership and accepting responsibility for the need to change our attitudes and behaviour.
Those of us working in the front line will continue to do our utmost to ease the human misery and distress caused by the abuse of alcohol. We do this knowing that in a wider sense it is impossible to stem the tide of alcohol-related problems.
It is indeed time to call "Halt!". My fear however, is that the impact of the recent effective media coverage will be short-lived and that the seasonal litany of devastation associated with excessive alcohol usage will again recur. I hope to be proved wrong! - Yours, etc.,
Dr K. BROWN, MB, MRC Psych.,
Consultant Psychiatrist,
St Fintan's Hospital,
Portlaoise.