Alcohol consumption in Bahrain surging

TDT | Manama

The Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com

Staff Reporter

Alcohol consumption is surging among adults and the country’s alcohol market will grow at a steady pace of 6.1 per cent until 2026, a study has found. 

The study carried out by market research consulting firm Industry Arc said new technologies in the distillation process encourage manufacturers to develop various types of distilled spirits drinks, which is the primary factor driving the growth of Bahrain’s Alcoholic Beverages Market.

The study titled ‘Bahrain Alcoholic Beverages Market Forecast’ by the firm covers an indepth analysis of the following segments of the Bahrain Alcoholic Beverages Market.

The report also highlights the strict government policy to regulate alcohol products. 

“There is a surge in demand for Alcoholic beverages in Bahrain owing to changing lifestyles and consumption of alcoholic beverages for every celebration among adults.

As per statistics, in 2018, an average of 1.90 litres of alcohol was consumed per person in Bahrain. 

“The demand is likely to continue  over 2021-2026, which is driving the demand for alcohol production among manufacturers.”  The Kingdom’s parliament earlier backed a proposal to outlaw the sale of alcohol in the Kingdom.  

A former parliament member was quoted by the media saying that alcohol was un-Islamic and encouraged inappropriate behaviour.  The proposal demanded coming up with a timeline to phase out the sale of alcohol in the Kingdom.  According to psychologists, alcohol and mental health are closely linked.

“Drinking too much can affect a person’s well-being. Some people may drink to try to relieve the symptoms of mental ill-health. “People drink for many reasons: to celebrate, socialise, commiserate or drown our sorrows.

Alcoholic individuals may drink to try and change our mood: to feel more relaxed, courageous or confident. However, the effect of alcohol is only temporary.

As it wears off, they often feel worse because of how alcohol withdrawal affects our brain and body.”

“Alcohol is a depressant, which can disrupt the balance of neurotransmitters (chemical messengers) in your brain and affect your feelings, thoughts and behaviour.

“Alcohol affects the part of your brain that controls inhibition, so you may feel relaxed, less anxious, and more confident after a drink. But these effects quickly wear off. 

“The chemical changes in your brain can soon lead to more negative feelings, such as anger, depression or anxiety, regardless of your mood.

“Alcohol also slows down how your brain processes information, making it harder to work out what you’re really feeling and the possible consequences of your actions.

In the long-term, alcohol uses up and reduces the number of neurotransmitters in our brains, but we need a certain level to ward off anxiety and depression.

This can make you want to drink more to relieve these difficult feelings – which can start a cycle of dependence.”

Consumption of alcohol can cause high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, liver disease, and digestive problems.

Studies have found that regular consumption of alcohol can lead to cancer of the breast, mouth, throat, esophagus, voice box, liver, colon, and rectum.

Alcoholism can weaken the immune system and increase the chances of getting sick.

According to medics, the regular consumption of alcohol could even lead to learning and memory problems including dementia