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Alcohol dependence nearly quadrupled in Portugal

Alcohol dependence has significantly increased over the last decade in Portugal, with only 20% of patients receiving adequate treatment.

4 October 2026Tagblick Newsdesk

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Archive photo: Alcohol dependence nearly quadrupled in Portugal — Archive photoPhoto: Luiz Pantoja from São Paulo · Wikimedia Commons · CC BY 2.0

Alcohol dependence in Portugal has nearly quadrupled over the last decade, according to the Institute for Addictive Behaviors and Dependencies. This information reveals an alarming situation regarding the prevalence of alcohol in society.

According to the institute, only 20% of individuals suffering from alcohol dependence are in treatment. This fact points to a significant gap in healthcare services and the system's ability to respond to this public health issue.

Moreover, the president of the institute emphasized that "we have not been able to implement the necessary measures to control the prevalence of consumption and treat patients." This statement underscores the difficulty in managing the issue of alcohol dependence, a growing concern, especially over the last two decades.

The lack of resources and the ineffectiveness of certain intervention policies may be factors contributing to this situation. The inability to reach as many patients as possible presents a challenge that requires a decisive response.

Statistics reveal a problem that affects not only individual health but also society at large. The increase in alcohol dependence may have implications in areas such as social security and public health, demanding a comprehensive approach that addresses the underlying causes.

Currently, the debate surrounding mental health care and addictions has intensified, highlighting the need for increased investment and effective actions to help change this scenario in Portugal.

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