Since the beginning of the year, there have been at least three cases of professionals being jailed after acting rashly and committing crime, violence and abuse while drunk (Futures broker jailed for assaulting cabbies after late-night drinking, Feb 2; Drunk man's rash drive to avoid police roadblock, Jan 19; Broker jailed and fined for assault and abuse after night of drinking, Jan 3).
There have been many such cases in the past.
Do professionals think they are immune to alcohol addiction? Do they believe that due to their success in life, their misbehaviour can be excused or covered up, thereby emboldening their drinking behaviour further?
Could it be that their colleagues, family and friends do not dare raise the matter with them, for fear of reprisal or giving offence?
We must educate the public not to shy away from helping their colleagues, family and friends to become aware of their problem drinking.
If we do not, we are just worsening their addiction.
Sadly, many alcoholics end up facing serious consequences before they admit that their drinking has got out of control.
Problem drinkers can talk to their doctor or a counsellor, or call the helplines of the National Addictions Management Service, WeCare or Alcoholics Anonymous Singapore.
Ram Narain Dubey
