ALCOHOL is a psychoactive substance commonly found in beverages such as beer, wine, vodka, and spirits. Scientifically, alcohol—also known as ethanol or ethyl alcohol—is produced by fermenting or distilling fruits, vegetables, or grains.

While it is widely consumed for recreational and social purposes, excessive alcohol consumption poses severe risks to individual health, social stability, and economic well-being.

One of the most dangerous effects of alcohol is its role as a depressant, which slows down brain activity and impairs cognitive function. Regular alcohol use is linked to serious mental health issues such as depression, anxiety and an increased risk of suicide. Additionally, chronic alcohol abuse can lead to catastrophic health effects, including:

Excessive alcohol consumption can cause liver damage resulting in liver diseases such as cirrhosis and liver cancer. It can also cause cardiovascular problems since heavy drinking contributes to heart disease, high blood pressure and stroke.

Drinking too much alcohol is dangerous for one’s health as it increases cancer risk. Alcohol is associated with cancers of the liver, breast, stomach, mouth, throat and bowel.

Prolonged alcohol use affects eyesight and damages the nervous system, leading to long-term cognitive impairment. It also have impacts on reproductive health whereas its consumption in men can lead to impotence, reduced sperm count and lower testosterone levels, affecting fertility and sexual performance.

Social and Economic Consequences

Beyond health issues, alcohol abuse contributes to a range of social and economic problems, including family and relationship struggles. Excessive drinking often leads to domestic violence, broken relationships, and family instability.

Alcohol abuse may lead to job loss and financial strain. It can result in absenteeism, poor job performance, and eventual job termination, causing financial hardship.

Alcohol-related violence and disorderly conduct strain law enforcement and emergency services. The financial burden of purchasing alcohol can lead to economic difficulties, making it hard for individuals to provide for their families.

One of the most severe consequences of alcohol abuse is its role in road accidents. Drunk driving impairs judgment, reduces reaction time, and affects motor coordination, leading to:

Drivers under the influence of alcohol are more likely to lose control of their vehicles, increasing the likelihood of deadly crashes. Alcohol-related accidents often result in traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, fractures, and permanent disabilities.

However, traffic authorities enforce strict penalties for drunk driving, including fines, license revocation and imprisonment.

The Tanzania Bureau of Standards (TBS) has raised concerns about the dangers of unregulated alcohol consumption, particularly among young people. 

A recent market risk assessment found that unsafe alcoholic beverages are being sold without adequate control, posing serious health risks. In response, TBS has taken several measures which include putting in place strict regulations. TBS collaborates with the Ministry of Health and local government authorities to ensure alcohol is sold in safe and controlled environments.

The bureau has also taken measures to remove substandard alcoholic products from the market, with goods worth 1.5bn/- destroyed between July and December 2024.

Public awareness campaigns whereas it has been educating citizens on the dangers of excessive alcohol consumption and its link to road accidents, domestic violence and health complications.

Global impact of alcohol-related deaths

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), alcohol consumption and drug use contribute to over 3 million deaths worldwide each year, with the majority being men. 

In Tanzania, statistics show that 35.8 percent of road traffic injury (RTI) deaths among men and 25.4 percent among women are linked to alcohol use. The country recorded 1,733 road crashes in 2024, leading to 1,647 fatalities—marking a 6.6 percent increase from 2023.

To reduce alcohol-related harm, Tanzania has implemented several initiatives, including public awareness campaigns, improved road safety measures, and stricter enforcement of traffic laws. 

Encouraging responsible alcohol consumption, strengthening regulations on alcohol production and distribution, and increasing penalties for reckless behavior are crucial in preventing further harm to individuals and society.

Alcohol consumption, when uncontrolled, leads to significant health, social, and economic burdens. Addressing these challenges requires a collective effort from government authorities, health institutions, and the public to promote responsible drinking and mitigate the devastating consequences of alcohol abuse.