As a physician trained in both internal medicine and pediatrics, I’ve seen firsthand the devastating impact of alcohol on my patients’ lives. In the emergency department, it’s often the root cause of traumatic cases, new diagnoses of liver cirrhosis, and emotional struggles with addiction. On the wards, it’s a common factor behind chronic diseases and repeat hospital admissions.
Alcohol’s effects extend far beyond the hospital walls. It destroys families, upends careers, and deprives individuals of opportunities. The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated these issues, leading to a surge in alcohol-related harm and injury.
Source: https://www.bostonglobe.com/2025/01/07/opinion/surgeon-general-drinking-alcohol-warning