Overall, we can easily say that alcohol is a major problem for people all over the world. Drunk driving, violent brawls, sex crimes, and blood poisoning are just a few of the terrible outcomes of the disease spectrum called alcohol use disorder. On the home front of North America, the United States continues to plow ahead in an effort to cut down on dangerous alcohol-related activity, but, up north, our neighbor Canada seems to be taking an extra step in a rather interesting way. According to reports, Ottawa, Ontario (the capital of the country) is planning to use the Canada Food Guide to tackle alcohol consumption in a brutal manner. So, how do they plan to address the elephant in the room (as experts have called it)? Let’s take a closer look and find out some more information.
A Growing Concern in Canada
According to Professor David Ma (nutrition professor at the University of Guelph and director of the Guelph Family Health Study), health officials in Canada have always been concerned about how alcohol triggers dangerous rates of cancer and obesity, but the issue was always placed on the backburner. Now, it seems, the conversation about booze is becoming much more serious.
Besides promoting the run-of-the-mill instructions for eating vegetables and fruits, the new Canada Health Guide is also labeled alcohol as a national health concern (for the first time in 12 years). Now, the Guide lists describes (in detail) how alcohol triggers a variety of dangerous cancers (liver, colorectal, breast, and more), liver disease, hypertension, and other major concerns. The Canada Health Guide also reveals how 77,000 hospitalizations and 31,000 deaths in 2016 were directly caused by alcohol. At the end of the guide, officials warn people who have never consumed alcohol not to start now, as it might be the biggest mistake of their lives.
A Big Change from Last Year
As you can imagine, the 2019 Canada Food Guide is a big leap from the 2007 edition. In that version, officials only recorded the high sugar content and calories of alcohol and only listed that people should consume these drinks in moderation. While this old version explains what should be eaten, the 2019 guide also dictates how people should consume foods and drinks. Hasan Hutchinson (Health Canada’s director general of nutritional policy and programs) has even referred to this issue of alcohol intake as a public disease burden for the country.
Seeking Treatment for Alcohol Abuse or Alcoholism
Alcohol is an overwhelmingly dangerous substance if consumed in excessive amounts. Sometimes, after just a few drinks, you can easily fall victim to alcohol abuse or (in the worst-case scenario) alcoholism. If you, a friend, or loved one is suffering from a severe case of alcohol use disorder, get in touch with Asana Recovery today. Our professional team of counselors and healthcare experts will help you endure the painful process detox and withdrawal and guide you through each step of the rehabilitation process to help you separate yourself from these substances. The time to take back control of your life is now.
If you want to find out more about our residential treatment or supervised detoxification/withdrawal programs or enroll in one of these programs today, we are ready and waiting to speak with you at your leisure and your disclosure. Call Asana now at (949) 438-4504 to learn how you can overcome your attachment to alcohol today.
