Recently, the case of Mr. L.Q.Đ, a 61-year-old man from Mê Linh, Hanoi, who was hospitalized in critical condition after drinking continuously for 10 days, has drawn public attention. This serves as a stark warning about the severe dangers of alcohol abuse, particularly with unregulated liquor.
Critical Condition Upon Hospital Admission
Mr. Đ., who has a history of hypertension and diabetes, had been drinking heavily throughout the Lunar New Year celebrations. Notably, he frequently consumed unlabeled alcohol of unknown origin. On the morning of February 9, his family found him unconscious with severe confusion and rushed him to the National Hospital for Tropical Diseases.
Hanoi man undergoing dialysis after 10 days of drinking
Upon admission, Mr. Đ. was in critical condition, with strong alcohol breath, darkened skin, loss of bladder and bowel control, and severe metabolic disorders. Doctors immediately intubated him, provided ventilator support, and performed continuous blood filtration. After thorough consultation, he was diagnosed with methanol poisoning—a toxic substance often found in low-quality alcohol.
Associate Professor Thân Mạnh Hùng, Deputy Head of the Emergency Department, stated: “After a day of intensive treatment, the patient’s condition stabilized temporarily, but he still requires mechanical ventilation and blood filtration to address alcohol-induced metabolic disorders.”
Unforeseen Dangers of Alcohol Abuse
Alcohol addiction and excessive drinking not only harm individual health but also cause serious consequences for families and society. Some notable harms include:
- Neurological Disorders: Excessive drinking can lead to short-term memory loss, weakened eye muscles, and various neurological issues.
- Liver Disease: Hepatitis and cirrhosis are common complications among long-term alcoholics.
- Metabolic Disorders: Alcohol increases the risk of acid-base imbalances and metabolic problems, especially in individuals with pre-existing conditions like hypertension or diabetes.
- Methanol Poisoning: Consuming unregulated alcohol poses the risk of methanol contamination—a toxin that can cause brain damage and even death.
Expert Advice
According to Associate Professor Thân Mạnh Hùng, to protect your health, consider the following:
- Choose Alcohol with Clear Origins: Avoid purchasing unregulated alcohol, which may contain harmful substances like methanol.
- Drink in Moderation: Each person should consume alcohol according to their physical condition and tolerance. Excessive drinking over prolonged periods can severely damage the body.
- Minimize Alcohol Consumption: Particularly for individuals with pre-existing conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, or liver disease, abstaining from alcohol is essential.
Experts also emphasize that when alcohol enters the body, it is metabolized in the liver, producing intermediate compounds that can become toxic if consumed excessively. Therefore, controlling alcohol intake is crucial.
Conclusion
The story of Mr. L.Q.Đ serves as a valuable lesson about the unforeseen dangers of alcohol abuse, especially with unregulated liquor. To safeguard personal and family health, everyone should be mindful when choosing and consuming alcohol responsibly. Drink responsibly and avoid substandard alcohol products to prevent tragic outcomes.
If you or a loved one is struggling with alcohol-related issues, seek professional medical help immediately. Health is our most precious asset and must be protected.
