Chile reports record low alcohol consumption amid rising intoxication concerns

Recent studies in Chile highlight a complex trend regarding alcohol consumption as the country approaches its national holidays (Fiestas Patrias). While overall alcohol consumption has reached its lowest recorded level in decades, experts are raising alarms over the quality of consumption. According to the 16th National Drug Study by SENDA, while 34.6% of the population reported drinking in the last month, 47.2% of those drinkers admitted to experiencing at least one episode of intoxication.

Dr. Matías Ibáñez, an addiction expert, noted that the primary concern is not just how much people drink, but how often they lose control. SENDA’s data suggests approximately 2.4 million people experienced intoxication in the last month, with one in seven doing so five or more times, a frequency that triples the risk of dependency and legal or professional issues.

Complementary research by CADEM and Aprocor reveals significant social attitudes toward drunk driving. The study found that 68% of Chileans believe a drunk driver’s primary fear is being detained by Carabineros, rather than causing physical harm or death, which was cited by only 15%. Furthermore, 21% of respondents consider it socially acceptable to drive under the influence during the holiday period, and 43% believe drunk drivers do not fear the consequences of their actions.