When consumed by pregnant mothers, alcohol enters the bloodstream, passes through the placenta and enters the fetus (unborn child).

Alcohol can damage a fetus at any stage of pregnancy, but is most serious in the first few months. There is a risk of alcohol-related birth defects including growth deficiencies, facial abnormalities, and damage to the brain and nervous system.

A trail of tragedy

Alcohol has claimed the lives of many gifted artists, musicians and writers over the past decades. These are just a few:

John Bonham (1948–1980): Excessive alcohol led to the tragic death of Led Zeppelin drummer John “Bonzo” Bonham, best known for his drum solo on the song “Moby Dick.” He was found dead of asphyxiation from vomit after a night of heavy drinking, on his way to rehearsals for an upcoming tour.

Steve Clark (1960–1991): Guitarist for Def Leppard. A heavy drinker, he died in his London home of a lethal combination of alcohol and drugs.

Michael Clarke (1946–1993): American musician, drummer for The Byrds. He died of liver failure after three decades of heavy alcohol consumption.

Brian Connolly (1945–1997): Scottish rock vocalist and lead singer for Sweet. His drinking problem caused him to leave the band in 1978; he reunited years later but his drinking had damaged his health and he died of liver failure in 1997.

Oliver Reed (1938–1999): British actor known for his roles in Oliver!, Women in Love, The Three Musketeers and Gladiator. He died from a sudden heart attack during a break from filming Gladiator. He was heavily intoxicated after 3 bottles of rum, 8 bottles of beer and numerous doubles of whiskey.