Study: Ukraine is threatened by alcoholism

Ukrainians hold a strong leading position in terms of alcohol consumption. Only Russia, Moldova, Scotland and Hungary drink more. Every year, Ukraine loses 500,000 residents, and about 400,000 die from cardiovascular diseases, which mainly develop due to an unhealthy lifestyle (sedentary lifestyle, smoking, alcohol). But alcohol is a universal killer: it affects all systems and organs of the human body. Moreover, changes in the body occur when consuming any amount of alcoholic beverages, but the scale of the consequences and changes depends on the frequency of consumption and the amount drunk.

A study conducted by WHO showed that 20% of our country's residents consume alcohol beyond the norm (the norm is considered to be the consumption of no more than two liters of pure alcohol per year, while one Ukrainian consumes 15 liters of pure alcohol per year). 80% of drinkers are men, which is more than 1/3 of the adult male population of the country. Excessive alcohol consumption begins at an early age and only increases over time. The drinking age is people from 18 to 29 years old. Most Ukrainian children are already familiar with the taste and effect of alcohol from 13 (sometimes earlier) years old.

The "European" survey of students showed that almost 90% of Ukrainian schoolchildren aged 15-17 have already tried alcohol. More than 26% regularly consume alcoholic beverages (1-2 times a month), approximately 14% drink twice as often.

Ukrainian children are introduced to alcoholic beverages very early, the main reason for this is our "tradition of cultural consumption", which is passed down from generation to generation. Any Ukrainian holiday is accompanied by a feast and alcohol, the child subconsciously develops the idea that a holiday is impossible without alcohol. In addition, the advertising idea of the obligatory consumption of alcohol in a friendly, cheerful company is gradually debugged in the unformed consciousness of the teenager. Our country has the highest level of teenage alcoholism, which we ourselves contribute to, unknowingly accustoming our children to alcohol.

The average life expectancy of those who like to drink is reduced by 10-15 years, alcohol and smoking are the two main causes of chronic diseases and high mortality in our country. The statistics sound scary - every fourth Ukrainian does not live to 60 years, every tenth - to 35. Almost a third of deaths of men at a young age (under 30) occur precisely because of alcohol intoxication.

Alcohol is especially dangerous for women, since it affects the mental and physical health of the future baby. In 74% of mothers who regularly drink, abnormalities in the development of the child are detected, in mothers who drink moderately - 9%.

Alcohol provokes a large number of diseases of the heart, digestive organs, liver. The effect of alcohol on the nervous system is destructive and leads to severe mental disorders; out of 100 mentally ill people, in 40 cases the mental disorder is caused by alcohol. In 2011 alone, almost 500 thousand Ukrainians were treated for various mental disorders caused by alcohol.

About 90% of hooligan and domestic attacks are committed under the influence of alcohol. Alcohol turns off conscience, fear, responsibility, has a strong effect on the brain, resulting in many suicides (especially in adolescence). And how many accidents occur due to the fault of drunk drivers or deaths from alcohol poisoning is beyond words.

Currently, according to statistics, there are more than a million alcohol-dependent citizens in Ukraine. WHO offers only three recommendations, thanks to which it is possible to reduce alcohol dependence: raise prices for alcoholic beverages, issue fewer licenses for the sale of alcohol and ban advertising that promotes drinking. The Ukrainian parliament, despite the fact that sometimes bills are submitted that comply with WHO recommendations, is in no hurry to vote for them, probably for personal reasons.

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