Alcohol consumption in Latvia is likened to an epidemic, but there are no significant new initiatives – BNN

Alcohol consumption in Latvia has reached a level comparable to an epidemic, therefore, ambitious and complex measures are urgently needed to significantly reduce this indicator, the National Council for Limiting Alcoholism concluded on Thursday, April 25. The meeting discussed the completion of the initiated measures to curb alcoholism, but no significant new initiatives were announced.

The data of the study of the health habits of Latvian schoolchildren show that the proportion of girls who drink alcohol is increasing, exceeding the proportion of boys for the first time.

The data of the Emergency Medical Assistance Service for 2023 also show that the number of calls related to children who have consumed alcohol has increased. On the other hand, the data of the National Health Service show that the number of children with mental and behavioral disorders due to alcohol consumption who were treated for the first time in outpatient and inpatient settings has significantly increased.

In the assessment of the Ministry of Health (MoH), one of the important aspects, along with reducing the availability of alcohol,

for expanding prevention measures and providing treatment, there is an educational aspect in schools.

Within the framework of a complex approach, the National Council for Limiting Alcoholism expects an effect from restrictions on alcohol availability, advertising and marketing, which are currently under consideration in the Saeima in the direction of two draft laws developed by the Ministry of Health. The Council expects the fastest possible progress of both bills for consideration in the Saeima in the 3rd reading.

The representatives of the Ministry of Interior have noted that this year the behavior correction program introduced by the Ministry of Transport (MoT) for persons who drove a vehicle while intoxicated will start working in practice. It will be mandatory for those who have been punished for driving under the influence of alcohol and want to regain their rights, if they have not been diagnosed with alcohol, narcotic or psychotropic substance abuse or addiction during the preliminary medical examination.

The program will be aimed at changing people’s thinking and understanding, being aware of the motives and consequences of their actions. The attendance of such courses will have to be paid from personal funds. As Jānis Kalniņš, deputy director of the Public Transport Services Department of the Ministry of Culture, stated at the council meeting, currently three organizations have been approved that will implement classes in Riga, Jēkabpils, Rēzekne and Daugavpils.

Also, from May 5 of this year, the functions of the Center for Disease Prevention and Control’s advisory phone number 67 037 333 will be expanded, providing telephone consultations for residents, facilitating information on available addiction treatment services and providing psychological support for residents with alcohol use disorders, the Ministry of Health informs.