Alcoholismo, globalización y salud

Abstract

The main thesis of this paper is thath the consumption of alcohol is an integrating element in a modern society thtat has driven individualism to a point where an existetial feeling of emptiness reigns, which is filled up with material values. This situation, combined with labor and social pressures of this way of life, leads to the need of some "mediators" in order to establish a communication between individuals and alcohol; this is one of its roles, among others. This explains the presence of alcohol in all social reunions; it is also considered as a pleasant element, before it becomes a problem or pathology, as is the case of dependence. Most young and adult people, men and women of any social condition, are involved in occasional or customary consumption of alcohol, not only those with "drinking problems", or the unsuccessful ones, but the average population, including the successful persons, because the greater social hierarchy the greater responsibilities and pressures. In this sense, the consumption of alcohol is a public health problem, since in the case of customary drinkers, it is responsible for the hepatic cirrhoses mortalith, for example, and in the case of the ocassional or social drinkers, it is responsible for traffic problems or street or family violence. With the globalization this way of life is expanded worldwinde and an increasing and costant consumption of alcohol can be observed.