Rise in Alcohol Consumption A Concern
Smoking and drinking is a way of life in Costa Rica. According to the latest national study on the consumption of drugs by the Instituto Sobre Alcoholismo y Farmacodependencia (IAFA) says that there are 700.000 drinkers, consuming some 388.763 litres of fermented drinks, 35.093 litres of distilled drinks for a total consumption of 423.856 litres of alcohol daily.

The report is in time for the beginning of week for preventing alcoholism, in an attempt to raise conscience of the public on the negative effects of alcohol.

During the prevention week, there will be four forums of interest, related to the problematic consumption of alcohol.

The IAFA says that the elevated consumption is due to the wide variety or fermented and distilled drinks in the market. As an example, the IAFA report shows that in 2005 a total of 131.368.093 litres of fermented drinks and 5.505.700 litres of distilled drinks were sold.

According to the IAFA figures, 17% of the population of Costa Rica consumes alcohol, of which 10% abuse alcohol and 7% are alcohol dependent (alcoholics). The figures show that drinkers consume 5 or more beers or glasses of wine at every sitting.

The consequences of alcohol abuse go beyond just the drinker, it affects family, work, increase the number of traffic accidents, increased domestic violence and places stress on the medical services due to illnesses like cirrhosis, gastritis and hepatitis, caused by alcohol abuse.

The numbers are alarming when it comes to teens. The IAFA reports says that 7 out of every 10 teens admit to having consumed alcohol during the past year. And 1 out of 3 admit to drinking to the point of being drunk at least twice a month.

The report also shows that drinking in Costa Rica starts at the age of 13 and that one out of every three deaths due to traffic accidents, homicides and suicides are associated with the consumption of alcohol. And 78% of the drivers pulled over for being over the legal limit are under the age of 14.