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.