Not Everything That Tastes Sweet Is Safe: The Hidden Dangers of Alcohol (Voka) in Food and Drink
Alcohol — often referred to informally as voka — is more than just a strong drink. It’s a substance that directly affects how your brain functions, your body develops, and your future unfolds. While many people are aware of the risks of drinking alcohol from a bottle or a glass, far fewer know that alcohol can also hide in everyday foods — especially sweets, sauces, and drinks that may seem harmless at first glance.
What Is Alcohol (Voka)
Alcohol is a psychoactive substance — meaning it changes the way your brain works. It can slow down thinking, cloud your judgment, and affect your memory, especially in young people. While it’s legal for adults in many parts of the world, it is not safe for everyone and can be especially harmful when consumed without awareness — such as through food and non-obvious drinks.
Where Does Alcohol Hide in Food?
Yes, it’s true: not all alcohol comes in a glass.
Some foods and drinks contain alcohol without making it obvious. You may not even taste it — but your body still absorbs it.
Watch out for:
- Rum cake and alcohol-infused chocolate desserts
- Fruit punch or juice blends that have alcohol mixed in
- Sauces made with wine or spirits (used in cooking meat or pasta)
- Imported or traditional sweets, especially those from regions where alcohol is part of recipes
If you don’t ask what’s inside, you may consume alcohol without realizing it — and face its consequences.
Key Dangers of Consuming Alcohol (Voka)
Whether you drink it or eat it, the effects of alcohol on your body can be severe — especially when you’re still growing and learning.
Here are some of the main risks:
1. Brain Damage
Alcohol weakens memory, attention, and decision-making — especially in teenagers and young adults, whose brains are still developing.
2. Addiction
Regular exposure to alcohol, even in small amounts, can lead to dependence. That means your body starts to crave it, and you may feel you can’t function without it.
3. Liver Problems
The liver works hard to filter out toxins — and alcohol is one of the worst. Over time, alcohol can damage the liver and lead to diseases like cirrhosis.
4. Poor Academic Performance
Alcohol clouds your focus. Students who drink (or unknowingly consume it in food) often struggle to concentrate, perform poorly in exams, or even drop out of school.
5. Accidents and Violence
Alcohol impairs judgment. It increases the chances of accidents, fights, risky behavior, and even legal trouble.
Choose Health, Choose Future
Staying safe doesn’t mean giving up fun — it means being wise enough to look beyond appearances.
Core Values to Embrace:
It might look fun. It might smell sweet. But if it’s harmful — say no.
Don’t just eat or drink blindly. Ask: “What’s in this?”
Your body and future are worth protecting. Make informed choices.
Talk to your friends. Help them understand that alcohol — even when it’s hidden in food — is still dangerous.
“Not everything that looks sweet is safe.”
Alcohol in a dessert is like poison in honey. Don’t fall for the taste. Think about your future. You have dreams, goals, and talents — don’t let a hidden danger derail your journey.
umwanditsi: Uwamaliya Floronce
