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A disease called alcoholism

11 FEBRUARY 2011

Alcoholism is a disease "very democratic" Writing

BBC Unlike other addictive substances consumption, drinking Alcohol is a socially and culturally accepted habit in many countries. Is "well regarded" as they say conmúnmente. However, according to World Health Organization (WHO), alcoholism cause two and a half million deaths each year.
and Latin America is no exception to this public health problem. In the region, alcohol consumption per head 40% above the world average.

Moreover, in the region, alcoholism has a particular hue as it is a problem that is increasingly affecting younger people. Consumer

each more young

In Latin America, the consumption of alcohol is higher than the global average

"Alcoholism is a very democratic in Latin America. There a pattern of alcohol consumption in the region that is different from other parts of the world. Here the young people start drinking too early and this is a serious problem, "he told BBC Professor Arthur Guerra de Andrade, a professor of psychiatry at University of Sao Paulo and president of the NGO Center for Health Information and Alcohol in the Brazilian city.

But while the regional average alcohol consumption is high, not all Latin American countries have comparable habits.

"There is a uniform distribution. There is a relationship with the countries' economies. For example, in Chile, the prevalence of alcoholism is lower. In contrast, poorer countries like Bolivia and Central America have more alcohol. However, in these cases may not exist as accurate data for epidemiological studies are lower, "said Guerra.

In a region as large, the reality of alcoholism is diverse. However, experts agree ensure that the plans to prevent the consumption of alcoholic beverages in Latin America are insufficient.

"comprehensive treatment" "Health policies in Latin America are poor. It is expected that the state can provide a magic bullet for the situation, but the problem is social. The countries should conduct more pragmatic at this point . We have a primary situation and we must begin at the base, "suggested Guerra.

many people view alcoholism as a personality problem, not a medical problem but as a moral issue of willpower. As if the drinker was a weak person without a strong personality. But this is a mistake. Alcoholism is a health problem, the person who drinks just taking a picture of dependence

Arthur Guerra de Andrade, Health Information Center and Alcohol

In this sense, often the severity of the problem and how that is socially perceived mismatch.

alcohol consumption has a long tradition in Latin American societies and drinking is often a social event.

Perhaps for this reason, when this act becomes an addiction and leads to a disease, alcoholism may go unnoticed by many citizens or be interpreted as a purely psychological problem.

"Many people view alcoholism as a personality problem, not a medical problem but as a moral issue of willpower. As if the drinker was a weak person, without a strong personality. But this is a mistake, "says Guerra.

"Alcoholism is a health problem, the person who drinks just taking a picture of dependence, physical problems, psychological, work and family. As a medical problem, you need an approach not only psychological but also medical support from social workers, psychotherapists. It should be a comprehensive treatment, "he said.