Social media was abuzz as liquor shops and taverns opened their doors forthe first time in eight weeks.
South Africans were excited to quench their thirsts as they spent hoursqueuing for alcohol.
While it might be for enjoyment for some, for others alcohol is anaddiction.
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Move! speaks to social worker Nthabiseng Madikgetla who shares insight onwhen to know if you are addicted to alcohol.
"Alcoholism may lead to family dysfunctionbecause the user is most likely to engage in risky behaviour that will havedirect or indirect effects on their family. It also may lead to injuries andpossible unnecessary loss of life because the use of alcohol leads toaggressive behaviour and impaired thinking," she says.
It might not always be easy for someone to admit that they have adrinking problem, but Madikgetla says there a few signs you should look for ifyou want to either stop drinking or seek help from professionals.
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"You continue to consume alcohol regardless of the possible negativeoutcomes from doing so. For example, getting into accidents or fights. When youhave the desire to stop but continue to drink against yourown wish. When you always say you are going to stop then the next day or a fewdays on, you go ahead and drink, losing your willpower. Or being unable to meetfamily responsibilities because of your drinking. For example, picking upchildren late from school or using money meant for family use to buyalcohol," Madikgetla explains.
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According to Madikgetla, there are severalscientific researches that prove alcohol intake has negative effects on one'slife and those around you.
"When peoplecontrol their intakes to the lowest consumption possible, they are eliminatingthe life complications that come as the result of overuse of alcohol," shesays.
To control youralcohol intake, one must always try to stick within the provided intakeguidelines, she says.
However, sheadmits this can be complex because the most important points that guide theamount of alcohol you can take is the quantity of alcohol in your drink andyour tolerance.
