Today, November 15, World Alcohol Free Day is celebrated, a date established by the World Health Organization (WHO) in which it is intended to raise awareness among the population about the damage caused by alcohol consumption.
The Network of Units for Community Prevention in Addictive Behaviors (UPCCA) of the Valencian Community, of which Dénia is a part, has launched a campaign for this day focused especially on youth and taking into account the gender perspective. The message is “We change the look. Alcohol is not fun."
The consumption of alcohol from an early age is a social practice allowed and even required in certain circles of social initiation. Families must be made responsible for the importance of educating at home, sensitizing them because they teach young people the dangers associated with their consumption.
According to the latest ESTUDAS survey, there is a significant consumption of alcoholic beverages, despite the fact that their sale to minors is prohibited:
- 7 out of 10 students between the ages of 14 and 18 say they have drunk in the last year.
- 5 out of 10 have done so in the last month, which is a figure close to a million young people. Of course
that this also has a positive reading: 5 out of 10 have not drunk.
In Spain, youth do not perceive risk in the use of alcohol, its consumption being considered not very dangerous in comparison with other substances. Scientific evidence tells us that when there is a low perception of risk combined with tolerance towards consumption and ease of access, the prevalence of consumption soars.
Therefore, it is essential to carry out campaigns aimed at young people to try to stop the
consequences that alcohol abuse is having on society.
