Most adults who live in Gauteng are regular consumers of alcoholic beverages. Although it is baffling that people still choose to regularly consume such beverages, it is important to understand why they consume such beverages before jumping to conclusions. In many cases, several countries from around the world is showing a decline in the consumption of alcoholic beverages. This decline is attributed to the Gen-Z generation that is currently in their teen to young adult phases in life. However, South Africa does not relate to this decline. Luckily, if you want to overcome your alcohol addiction, Beethoven Recovery Centre is your answer to professional and efficient alcohol rehabilitation near Gauteng.
There are many attributing factors to alcohol consumption in South Africa. These factors are influencing adults in this country to buy and consume such beverages within social settings. Today, we take a closer look at these factors and why you should be aware of them to avoid falling into that downward spiral of alcohol addiction as an adult living in South Africa.
Why Do South Africans Still Frequently Consume Alcoholic Beverages?
- Advertisements and Product Placements: Alcohol brands are constantly advertising in South Africa. These advertisements come in many shapes and forms – most of which are subtle, but still effective. Such an example refers to ads that have a “Don’t drink and drive” connotation to them. Although the ad delivers a strong and humane message, it still promotes a specific brand of alcohol to the public. This is also the case with public events that are sponsored by specific alcohol brands. These events include anything, from expos to charity events – utilising subtle product placement as a means of effective advertising. This also applies to permanent fixtures at restaurants, coffee shops, and other public spaces – where an alcohol brand is featured on an umbrella, a placemat, or any other similar object.
- The Social Structure and Environment: Adults in South Africa are under the misconception that it is quite the achievement to hold one’s liquor. As a result, they will constantly try to impress their peers by consuming as much alcoholic beverages as possible to prove that they are the best at holding their liquor. This type of behaviour creates a clear path to alcohol addiction, as it is justified by their peers, accepted by their family and friends, and considered a true achievement. Unfortunately, this is all a façade to hide from various truths that are behind such behaviour. Moreover, the social environment in South Africa basically forces adults to consume alcoholic beverages within social settings, as those who choose not to, are simply ridiculed and exiled from their social circles. This is a sad and unfortunate truth.
- Coping Mechanisms: Many adults in South Africa only consume alcoholic beverages as a means of coping with problems that are “too big” for them to face, handle, and overcome. Such problems can include mental disorders such as depression, PTSD, and anxiety. They can also stem from experiencing a life-altering event such as a divorce, job loss, or being diagnosed with a chronic illness. There are several elements that contribute to people seeking relief and choosing alcohol to forget about their problems. However, such behaviour can be compared to putting a band-aid on a tumour. The true problem is denied and ignored, as the drinking becomes a vice that turns into an addiction over time.
- Behavioural Addiction: When an individual is in a constant pursuit of getting to the next drink, they tend to forget about their responsibilities, their immediate environment, and their priorities. Such behaviour stems from a full-blown addiction – where an individual will consume alcoholic beverages at any given opportunity. Elements such as the time of day, the location, the specific expected decorum, and their responsibilities as an adult take a backseat to their behavioural addiction to consume alcohol. Moreover, when confronted about their inappropriate behaviour, they will become defensive and jump to any given reason or excuse to justify their behaviour. For example, such a person will say that they suffer from depression, and that is why they drink. Unfortunately, alcohol is not a cure for depression, but merely a vice.
Beethoven Recovery Centre is your first choice when it comes to professional alcohol rehabilitation near Gauteng. Our rehab centre admits people of 18 years of age and older, strictly on a voluntary basis. Please browse our website for details and contact us today with any inquiries.