Introduction
The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued a landmark appeal to all countries: significantly increase taxes on alcohol and sugary drinks by 2035 to combat non-communicable diseases and improve global health. This policy recommendation is grounded in extensive research linking alcohol and sugar consumption to life-threatening conditions such as cancer, liver disease, heart disease, and diabetes. It represents a powerful step in shifting global norms around drinking and sugar intake.
The Health Risks of Alcohol and Sugary Drinks
Alcohol is, fundamentally, a toxic substance that serves no physiological purpose in the human body. Unlike essentials such as water and oxygen, the body does not require ethyl alcohol to function. In fact, repeated consumption of alcohol leads to progressive physical and mental deterioration. Similarly, sugary drinks contribute to obesity, diabetes, and other chronic conditions that are among the leading causes of death worldwide.
The WHO’s campaign emphasizes reframing our perception of alcohol, encouraging the public to view it as an obvious poison—akin to other hazardous substances like sulfuric acid. This perspective counters longstanding industry narratives that normalize and glamorize alcohol consumption.
The Power of Taxation in Public Health
Increasing taxes on alcohol and sugary drinks is not merely a financial measure—it is an effective public health strategy. By making harmful products less affordable, higher taxes directly reduce consumption and prevent related diseases. The WHO’s initiative sets a target of at least a 50% price increase by 2035, a move expected to save millions of lives globally.
Additionally, the revenue generated from these taxes can be invested in health care, education, and social protection programs, further amplifying their positive impact on society.
Countering Industry Marketing: Exposing the Manufactured Desire
A crucial dimension of the alcohol problem is the industry’s manipulation of public perception. Through marketing, the alcohol industry has cultivated artificial desires for drinking and invented myths around “drinking culture.” These tactics shift the blame for alcohol-related problems onto individuals, obscuring the inherent toxicity of the product itself.
Recognizing and exposing these industry strategies is key to supporting public health initiatives. By increasing taxes and raising awareness, governments can challenge the false narratives perpetuated by alcohol and sugary drink manufacturers.
The Sober Perspective: Alcohol as an Unnecessary Poison
From a sobriety standpoint, the WHO’s taxation initiative is a long-overdue recognition of the true nature of alcohol. The body does not need alcohol, and no one can die from sobriety. On the contrary, abstaining from alcohol promotes health, longevity, and wellbeing. The goal must be to learn to see alcohol as an obvious poison—a substance to be avoided, not celebrated.
Conclusion
The WHO’s call for higher taxes on alcohol and sugary drinks by 2035 is a bold and necessary move in the fight against non-communicable diseases. By acknowledging alcohol’s toxic nature, exposing manipulative industry tactics, and leveraging taxation as a proven public health tool, countries have the opportunity to save millions of lives, reduce healthcare costs, and foster a healthier, more informed global population. The time to act is now—alcohol and sugary drinks are not just luxuries but preventable threats to public health.
