Alcohol consumption linked to rising violence and youth health risks

Health and social organizations in Mexico and Peru are raising alarms regarding the rising impact of excessive alcohol consumption on public safety and domestic stability.

In Mexico, activists from the Red de Mujeres por la Salud (REMUSA) highlighted the link between alcohol and domestic violence. They reported that alcohol is a trigger in up to one in three partner aggressions, and the risk of physical aggression against women increases up to six times when a male partner consumes alcohol excessively for consecutive days. Protesters also criticized the lack of healthy tax measures in the 2027 Economic Package, noting that alcohol remains more affordable than basic food items like bread.

In Peru, Devida reported a significant increase in excessive alcohol consumption among youth, with prevalence rates rising from 7.9% to 14.9%. In the Puno region, authorities have noted a surge in emergencies involving intoxicated students during public festivities. Devida emphasized that while alcohol is legal, it functions as a drug with severe social and physical repercussions, calling for strengthened family roles and better recreational spaces for adolescents to mitigate these trends.