2023-12-05 23:00:53
He alcohol consumption in Latin America It is a topic of great interest. Especially because each country in the region has its own strategies regarding the control of alcoholic beverages. Therefore, the results are also mixed because some have achieved better results than the rest.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 2.6 million deaths occur each year that are directly related to the alcoholism. It is even classified as one of the most dangerous and severe addictions on the planet.
Current state of alcohol consumption in Latin America
To know the current panorama Statesman published the results of a study. The first thing that draws attention is that at a global level A person consumes on average 5.5 liters of alcohol per year. On the other hand, within Latin America the figure is 7.5 liters.
Specifically, it is observed that the list is headed by Argentina with a per capita consumption of 8 liters of pure alcohol in 2019, according to WHO data.
Brazil (7.7 liters) and Peru (7.5 liters) follow closely. While later Chile, Cuba and Mexico appear with figures that are between 6 and 7 liters per person.
The countries with the lowest alcohol consumption in Latin America
Likewise, it is worth knowing the opposite extreme. With this in mind, Uruguay, Colombia, Honduras and Venezuela have the lowest levels in the region (between 3 and 5 liters). While Guatemala positions itself as the country with the lowest alcohol consumption in the region with 1.6 liters per inhabitant.
How is alcohol consumption combated in Latin America?
Each nation has taken different actions although one of the most common restrictions is the tax application. The money obtained is used in public programs that aim to raise awareness about abuses among the population.
But even though the prices of products such as alcohol, tobacco and sugary drinks have increased, in the end there has not been a substantial decrease in the consumption of each.
In addition, there are doubts regarding the use made of the money obtained from taxes. It has even been suspected that it is not really used for the initial purpose for which it was collected.
Medications that work against alcoholism
On the other hand, it is worth remembering that in 2023 the WHO published the new edition of the Model List of Essential Medicines. Among the novelties there is a new one because for the first time it includes two medications that are recommended for the treatment of alcohol consumption disorders in adults. Its about acamprosate and naltrexone.
Until now, other drugs indicated for the treatment of alcohol use disorders. This represents a historic decision in public health that recognizes the importance of addressing the most severe addiction in the world.
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