“More than 3.5 million Brazilians face drug addiction, says Fiocruz”
Terra reports:
“According to data from the Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz), more than 3.5 million Brazilians are considered [people with drug addiction]. If we focus on alcohol consumption, the figures are even more shocking: according to the National Survey on Alcohol and Drugs (Lenad) of the Federal University of São Paulo (Unifesp), approximately 11.7 million Brazilians live with alcohol addiction.
“These rising rates not only represent a challenge for families, but also put increasing pressure on the public health system. With the continuous increase in the number of dependent people, the country is facing a scenario of growing public health concern.”
“Alcohol addiction: more women are asking for help to stop drinking”
Tribuna Online reports:
“The number of A.A. women’s meetings increased by 44.7 per cent when comparing the pre- and post-pandemic periods. There are currently around 65 women’s meetings, both in person and online, attended by women from all over the country.
“President of the General Services Board of Alcoholics Anonymous Brazil, Lívia Pires Guimarães recalls that A.A. is celebrating its 90th anniversary. She pointed out that in Espírito Santo there are 64 groups (with men and women taking part) with around 160 weekly meetings, held in person and at a distance.”
Assessment
These two new reports from Brazil highlight the scale and deepening impact of alcohol harm, reinforcing the urgent need for ambitious alcohol policy action. According to Fiocruz and Unifesp, 11.7 million Brazilians are living with alcohol use disorder – a staggering number that signals a serious public health, social, and economic crisis – affecting individuals, families, communities, and society as a whole.
Evidence shows that alcohol use disorder leads to early retirement, unemployment, need for social assistance, and personal income loss for people and households affected.
The rise in the number of women seeking support through Alcoholics Anonymous is a noteworthy development. It suggests both increasing awareness of the negative impacts of alcohol and a rising burden of alcohol harm among women – likely driven by targeted alcohol marketing tactics from the alcohol industry.
The new reports indicate the need for urgent government action to protect health, social well-being, economic development.
With Brazil’s tax reform process ongoing, the new reports mark a key opportunity for alcohol policy advocacy to position alcohol taxation as a tool to reduce affordability, prevent harm, and fund much needed treatment and recovery support services.