Alcoholism in Portugal jumps due to crisis

Paul 21 March 2014

drink The economic crisis is increasing the number of cases of alcoholism in Portugal with the reckless consumption of spirits on the increase, warns the president of the Portuguese Society of Alcoholism.

"What we noticed in studies of consumption patterns is that there has been a progressive increase in the consumption of spirits. Even in the case of young people this is the preferred type of drink,” commented Dr Augusto Pinto on the eve of the National Day of Alcoholics Anonymous.

According to the Society's president, an economic crisis in the country "can actually exacerbate consumption" and it is the consumption of spirits rather than wine that is leading to alcohol related illnesses.

"The amount is higher in distilled drinks which reduces the time required to get the disease," says Dr Pinto.

"I would say that the crisis may actually increase the intake and can lead to more dangerous consumption patterns. Physiological consequences and the ability to develop alcoholism is more severe in spirit drinkers than someone who consumes wine or beer," said the expert.

According to Dr Pinto, the fact that someone is drinking regularly creates tolerance, ie, the person will be drinking more and more without getting drunk, thus debunking the myth that alcoholics always get drunk - the opposite is true due to this tolerance built up over time.

"When you develop tolerance there is always a poor prognosis. This means that the brain and the liver are getting worse."

According to the expert, there is much to do in the area of prevention and early intervention. Augusto Pinto also noted the accessibility of alcohol in our country which hinders the work of overcoming a deeply rooted drinking culture.

"People consider it normal to consume alcoholic drinks, all festivities include alcohol, at every party there is alcohol on the table,” said Pinto who added that part of the solution is a "change of consciousness" and an acceptance of the problem by society.

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