Experts in mental health have urged the House of Representatives to keep the prohibition on small-bottle and sachet alcoholic drinks in place, pointing out that research indicates a positive correlation between high consumption and mental health issues, especially in youth.
The psychiatrists emphasized that the availability of small bottled alcoholic drinks and sachets has a more detrimental effect on mental health and that the ban is best for Nigerians.
According to reports, the House of Representatives gave its committee on the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control instructions to investigate the reasons behind Nigeria’s ban on the manufacture of beverages in small bottles and sachets.
During a plenary session, members Paschal Agbodike and Philip Agbese made a motion on the green chamber floor.NAFDAC prohibited the manufacture of drinks in tiny sachets and bottles in January in an effort to stop the nation’s rising drug abuse, particularly among young people.
Leading the discussion on the motion, Agbbodike pointed out that the National Assembly is empowered to enact laws for the Federation’s order and good governance under Section 4(2) of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) Constitution.
He claims that the National Assembly is authorized to look into the operations of any body that carries out or oversees the implementation of laws passed by the National Assembly, including the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, under Sections 88(1) and (2) of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) Constitution.Mental health experts responded to the lawmakers’ investigation by saying in different ways that if the House of Representatives suspends the ban, it might result in problems with substance abuse and addiction.
They emphasized that people, especially young people and those with low incomes, are more likely to abuse and develop a dependence on alcohol due to the availability and affordability of sachet alcoholic drinks.
According to Dr. Kehinde Oderinde, a consultant drug addiction psychiatrist at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital in Benin City, Edo State, lifting the ban on sachet alcoholic drinks could lead to a rise in alcohol-related health problems, social issues, and unfavorable outcomes like violence, impaired judgment, accidents, and alcohol poisoning.Oderinde pointed out that alcohol use, particularly when excessive, can make mental health issues like anxiety, depression, and drug use disorders worse.
He pleaded with the legislators to consider the broader implications of repealing the prohibition on public health and to implement measures to mitigate any potential risks associated with facilitating access to alcohol that is packaged in sachets.Studies have looked into the connection between alcoholic drinks in sachets and health issues in Nigeria.
Studies have indicated that the high alcohol content and low cost of sachet alcoholic drinks are linked to a number of health problems, such as liver disease, heart problems, neurological disorders, and mental health disorders.
The detrimental effects of sachet alcoholic beverages on both individual and public health outcomes in Nigeria have been brought to light by these studies.The House of Representatives’ decision to lift the ban on sachet alcoholic beverages raises the possibility of a rise in alcohol-related illnesses and fatalities in Nigeria.
Alcoholic drinks in sachets are more appealing to people, especially those who are at risk of alcohol abuse, because they are frequently linked to high alcohol content, affordability, and accessibility.
“As far as mortality goes, the lifting of the ban on sachet alcoholic drinks might result in more alcohol-related deaths because of things like alcohol poisoning, violent incidents, accidents, and long-term health issues brought on by alcohol abuse.
“Through comprehensive prevention, intervention, and treatment measures, public health officials, healthcare providers, and policymakers must monitor and address the potential impact of this decision on alcohol-related illnesses and deaths in Nigeria,” he said.He was supported by Dr. Yesiru Kareem, a Consultant Psychiatrist at the Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital in Aro, Abeokuta, Ogun State, who stated that alcohol consumption can also result in mental health issues like psychosis, depression, suicide, memory loss, and other conditions linked to alcohol consumption.
Spirit-based alcoholic beverages have a higher percentage per volume, so NAFDAC is correct. A considerable number of them have percentages ranging from 40 percent to 80 percent or more.
This implies that a very small number of them could have more severe consequences than those found in the larger bottles.”Despite the numerous negative health effects, some young people will consume these drinks multiple times because they are accustomed to them in sachet form. Alcohol consumption has many negative effects, including physical and mental health issues. It may increase the risk of diabetes and other heart-related conditions.
Alcohol consumption can also result in other alcohol-related mental health issues, including psychosis, memory loss, and other mental health disorders like depression and suicide.
Because taking it can affect how people behave and engage in crime indirectly, it can also increase the rate of crime.Nevertheless, the government’s consideration of the economy should not be the only factor in its decision to consider lifting the ban. The House of Representatives’ ongoing investigation is commendable,” he continued.
The psychiatrist asserted, however, that legislative measures to control alcohol consumption in the nation must be developed.
“Regulating it is a good thing, but there is a need to lower the rate of intake, as it is growing more and more common among young people.
Perhaps they would not have outlawed alcohol if there were ways to control consumption. What facilities have been put in place, though, and how certain are we that people will heed the instructions?It is anticipated that the suspension will lower the rate of alcohol consumption.
It is important for any regulation or policy to be properly addressed and have strategic means of implementation; it is not only about suspending or outright banning them, he continued.