Alcohol and the Irish - Control your relationship with drink

ALCOHOL, when it is grossly misused, has done more harm to Irish people, Irish families, Irish relationships and businesses, Irish talent and potential, Irish hopes and ambitions than a combination of all the other slings and arrows life can throw at us.

Other than the relatively small but deadly impact hard drugs have had in this country, alcohol abuse has a far more destructive impact than all of the cancer, dementia, depression and other diseases devastating so many families today.

Its misuse is more insidious and corrosive than nearly any other human activity other than smoking, yet we seem ever more enthusiastic about embracing its undoubted but deadly charms. Every generation has its fine lives and talents publicly turned into sullen, dribbling incoherents by alcohol abuse.