Last
year there were more Canadians hospitalized due to alcohol than for heart
attacks. Let that sink in for a
while.
According
to a recent report from the Canadian Institute for Health Information, there
were about 77,000 hospitalizations in Canada that were caused entirely by
alcohol. During the same period of time
about 75,000 Canadians were hospitalized for heart attacks.
The
Institute said it’s looking at the harm caused by alcohol because it is “a
serious and growing concern, both in Canada and around the world.” Wow, that’s news! And the cost isn’t just to people’s health,
it hits their pocket books as well.
The
economic costs associate with alcohol abuse was estimated at more than $14
billion in 2002, $3.3 billion of which were direct health costs, according to
the report titled, “Alcohol Harm in Canada”.
And yet the use of alcohol continues to be celebrated and if the church
takes a stand against the use of alcohol it is labeled as judgemental and
legalistic.
And
we are told that alcohol in itself isn’t harmful, that it’s only harmful when
it’s abused. But wouldn’t it be easier
to not abuse alcohol if you didn’t use alcohol?
And
that is why Solomon warned us in Proverbs 20:1, “ Wine produces mockers;
alcohol leads to brawls. Those led astray by drink cannot be wise.”
Have a
great week and remember: To see what is really possible, you will have to
attempt the impossible.
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