15th World No Alcohol Day
Every year, on October 2 since 2008, World No Alcohol Day is commemorated, a global initiative that seeks to raise awareness about the harmful effects of excessive alcohol consumption and promote a healthy lifestyle. This day offers the perfect opportunity to reflect on the importance of reducing alcohol consumption and its impacts on people's physical, mental and social health.
Alcohol consumption is a practice rooted in many cultures and societies around the world, but its abuse and the negative consequences it entails are a cause for concern. According to the Spanish Observatory of Drugs and Addictions, alcohol has been recognized as the most consumed psychoactive substance in Spain. We must be aware of the effects it has and how it can affect people, the psychologist Leonardo Suarez tells that “alcohol produces an alteration in the central nervous system, which is why it is classified as a soft psychoactive substance, so the harm it can bring depends on the limits of each organism, and these vary as more or less alcohol is consumed”. This special date invites you to reflect on the risks associated with excessive alcohol consumption, including physical health, interpersonal relationships, work productivity and road safety. One of the main objectives of World No Alcohol Day is to raise awareness among the population about the adverse effects of abusive consumption of this substance. Alcoholism and problems resulting from excessive drinking can have a significant impact on health, from liver disease to mental disorders, and can negatively affect entire families and communities. “In health issues, doctors already come into play, but I have a large number of patients who come because the main problem is alcohol, and for that reason either the wife has left them, their children no longer talk to them, or they were fired from work”. This day seeks to promote awareness about the importance of adopting healthy and balanced habits, promoting leisure and entertainment alternatives that do not involve alcohol consumption. Recreational activities, sports, art, reading and other forms of enjoyment can positively replace the time spent drinking alcohol, promoting a healthier and more active lifestyle. Additionally, World No Alcohol Day provides an opportunity to offer support to those struggling with alcohol addiction, for example Eduardo Gonzalez, an ex-alcoholic that started his new life with this event “My life was not going in any direction, my wife left me and I get fired,, so it was in 2015 I think ,I decided to go to an event that was going on in my city because it was sick of doing nothing,, and then I saw that I wasn't alone. There were some specialists you could talk to and some other people with the same problem as me. So, I became friends with one guy who also was there, and together we started up leaving the alcohol. So even if it seems silly or an unsignificant little event, go, sometimes the smallest steps are those who win the largest races, it is always an option to start, look at me for example, I really went to the event with no hopes and now I’m here”. It is a time to highlight the importance of understanding, empathy and access to treatment and support resources for those seeking to overcome their dependency. World Alcohol Free Day is a valuable opportunity to reflect on our drinking habits, promote health and wellbeing, as well as support those struggling with alcohol addiction. It is a reminder that we can all contribute to creating healthier environments. Max Hackenbroich