In Polish culture alcohol is seen as an essential component of fun. However, it brings large social costs. Source: Flickr.com. licence – Attribution-ShareAlike 2.0 Generic. Author – Matt Lilek.Alcoholism haunts Poland. This commonly known word refers to a illness called alcohol addiction, while in a broader sense it besides describes its consequences. Not only health, but besides social. In our country, alcohol is available in markets, smaller stores and gas stations. We see him almost all day. So it is not easy to “cut off” even from the very sight of bottles with strong drinks.
In Poland drinking alcohol became something like a national tradition. This customized was started during the PRL period, during the time of the ubiquitous culture of drinking. During Edward Gierek's reign, alcohol consumption increased importantly due to many social problems. In 1981, alcohol consumption averaged 12 litres per head.
Is the popularity of alcohol any basis for normalising its consumption? On the website of 1 of the grain spirits producers, the slogan is: “ Vodka is simply a symbol of Polish social and moral culture. It makes it possible to emphasize the importance of celebrations or social gatherings in a joyful and affirmative way." So, then, can we take this presumption to mention to interest lovers sitting under the liquor stores of cultural people? Although specified a “classical” image of an alcoholic dominates Polish culture, there are many people who are able to function comparatively normally. Talk about alleged functioning alcoholics. Society normalises their illness due to the fact that they are inactive able to execute their duties. We talk about the problem of alcoholism with the educator and specialist on the prevention of addictions – Alexander Szedler, who works in 1 of the Poznań intellectual and pedagogical clinics.
Do you see an upward trend in the problem of alcoholism in Poland? If so, what do you think it's caused?
– We do not know precisely how many people are addicted to alcohol, estimates say between 700 and 900 000 people. However, sales statistic show that alcohol consumption has slow increased in fresh years. Thus, it is likely that the problem of alcoholism does not decrease. There may be many reasons for this. inactive existing poverty, migration both to and within the country — from the city to the city or from smaller centres to cities that deprive people of the frequently natural social network, providing support. An epidemic of loneliness, permanent stress, caused by the force of duties, the velocity of life, putting productivity and material value first, underfunded intellectual and psychiatric care. Of course, apart from the reasons that always exist, specified as genetic predispositions, a advanced hazard tendency, etc.
What do you think about the scale of alcohol availability in Poland (for example in petrol stations)? Does this increase the problem of alcoholism?
– I think that alcohol is now besides easy available, given how powerfully psychoactive this means. For this moment, it is so powerfully rooted in our culture that it cannot be banned. However, its presence at gas stations (while cautioning against driving under the influence of alcohol in many social campaigns), the frequent advertising of alcohol or the fresh regular promotions of 12+12 beer is besides much, in my opinion. This serves only the profits of alcoholic beverages producers. Of course, the availability of alcohol to any degree affects the number of people addicted to alcohol, but this is not a decisive factor. It surely affects consumption, which translates into effects on society. In Krakow, the ban on the sale of alcohol from 24 to 05:30 caused a simplification in the number of police interventions by 48.5%, the city defender by 31%, and the number of offences decreased by 48%.
Do you see any solution that would affect a “drinking society”? What policy should the Polish government be here?
– I think that the current socio-economic strategy inevitably leads to alcohol addicts (and another psychoactive agents) being and will be. It could reduce the scale of the problem by reducing alcohol sales, subsidising the prevention of addictions, intellectual and psychiatric care, education, strengthening labour law and enforcing it, and programmes to reduce income inequality.
There are different motives for getting alcohol. It is crucial to consider whether the belief in pseudotradition justifying drinking is no longer the beginning of addiction. The availability of alcohol in Polish stores may besides affect the number of alcoholics and alcoholics. It is not said adequate frequently and loudly, thus the problem is not perceived by Polish society. As with any another disease, seeing the symptoms of alcoholism, it is worth seeking professional help.
Nicole KRAKOWSKA
