Uruguay faces rising alcohol abuse and public health concerns

Data from the latest National Survey on Drug Consumption reveals concerning levels of alcohol abuse in Uruguay. The study identifies alcohol as the most prevalent psychoactive substance, with more than 700,000 people reporting regular consumption over the past year.

Technical findings indicate that over 370,000 individuals show signs of problematic consumption, while more than 100,000 cases are classified as severe, requiring intervention from the healthcare system to address physical and social consequences. In response, the National Drug Board has introduced a public communication strategy to challenge the normalization of alcohol in family settings and daily celebrations. The campaign aims to raise awareness regarding risks among the active and university-aged populations and to address cultural patterns that often mask the damage caused to social environments and community health.