In 2019, Lithuania entered the top five countries that reduced alcohol consumption the most. From 2015 to 2019, for one 15-year-old and it was possible to reduce the amount of pure alcohol per older Lithuanian resident by as much as 17 percent, to 12.8 liters. In 2022, the figure dropped to 11.2 liters, according to the State Data Agency. According to the interim head of the Department of Narcotics, Tobacco and Alcohol Control, Gražina Belian, this was due to a balanced policy in this area, an increase in population awareness, youth education and preventive activities.
Intoxicating pleasure turned into self-pity
Alcohol is a psychoactive substance with addictive properties. Alcoholic beverages have been widely consumed for many centuries, and there are many reasons for this. Some people use alcoholic beverages to suppress negative emotions, and others, on the contrary, to enhance positive ones. Others see alcohol as a tool to boost self-confidence, gain courage and relax.
“Drinking alcohol, I wanted to feel that intoxicating feeling when the world becomes easy, simple, carefree. I wanted to know if it was just an illusion or if it could be true,” says 26-year-old Augustin, who made the decision to give up alcohol more than three years ago.
The guy was motivated to take such a step by the exhausting physical and emotional exhaustion that he felt in the days after drinking. He says that he felt like his body existed, but there was emptiness inside him: “Most of all, I didn’t like and was even afraid to look in the mirror in the morning, I felt sorry for myself. It seemed that for all the fun of the previous day, the body would have paid a considerable tribute.”
Change requires determination
Thinking back to the time when he decided to eliminate alcohol from his life, Augustin says that it was difficult to give up something that is common in the life of a young person.
“The battle of thoughts “worth it or not” continued for at least a year, because being the only sober person in a room full of friends seemed to me like an insurmountable distance of a marathon,” he said.
According to the head of the Department of Narcotics, Tobacco and Alcohol Control, the duration and progress of the process of complete withdrawal from the use of psychotropic substances depends on each person individually and on their willingness to accept the change.
“Different perceptions of emotions and arising or existing problems directly affect our psyche, so it is almost impossible to say how successful a person will be in giving up alcohol. Some manage to do it faster, others need more time. Those looking for help can contact psychologists-addiction consultants, those looking for community help – to join Alcoholics Anonymous (AA). Also, the Republican Center for Addiction Diseases provides services for those who want to treat alcohol abstinence”, the specialist teaches and emphasizes that help is always provided to those who ask for it.
Felt positive changes in health
Alcohol consumption, according to the WHO, can become the cause of liver damage, liver cirrhosis, cardiovascular, pancreatic diseases and oncological diseases of various organ systems.
“According to the Institute of Hygiene, in 2022 In Lithuania, 651 persons died due to diseases directly related to alcohol consumption, 158 persons died due to accidental alcohol poisoning. It is noticeable that although in 2022 the total number of deaths caused by alcohol consumption has decreased, but compared to 2021, deaths due to alcohol poisoning have increased (165 cases in 2021, 178 cases in 2022),” said the interim head of the department.
Augustinas, who grew up in Trakai, claims to have felt the changes in his health, but only his changes are positive.
“Running and cycling have become an integral part of my life, without which it would be difficult for me to imagine myself today. Also, the approach to physical and emotional health and its care is completely different than it was before. Feeling equally good every day has become one of the main priorities in my life.”
Statistically, Lithuanians consume less alcohol
The specialist of the Drug, Tobacco and Alcohol Control Department emphasizes that not consuming alcohol not only reduces the risk of contracting the aforementioned diseases, but also reduces the risk of domestic violence, improves sleep quality, improves a person’s emotional and psychological health – a person feels confident in himself, can nurture social relations with society.
The results of the population survey conducted in 2021 on the order of the Department of Drug, Tobacco and Alcohol Control reveal that alcohol consumption in Lithuania has been noticeably decreasing in recent years.
“According to the research data, 62.8% of the Lithuanian population aged 15-64 had consumed some alcoholic beverages in the last 30 days. Compared to previous research, drinking in the last 30 days has decreased from 67.1% (2016) to 62.8% (2021). For the proportion of the population who consumed alcohol once a week or more, this habit decreased from 33.3% (2016) to 23.7% (2021). This result in 2021 was the lowest during the entire observation period since 2004”, – the expert was happy about the improving situation in the country.
Uzsak. No. SAM-12
#important #conscious #decision #stop #drinking #alcohol
– 2024-04-29 14:38:21
