Under the motto «New Stage, New Directions», the meeting promoted reflection on the current challenges of alcohol studies, in a context where national indicators highlight the impact of alcohol consumption on health, road safety, and family life.
Carlos Mouta, vice-president of the Câmara Municipal de Matosinhos, participated in the discussion «Alcohol in Portugal: Between Individual Freedom, Regulation, and State Responsibility», which addressed the tension between individual choice and public health protection.
Data presented revealed 14,762 hospitalizations attributable to alcohol in 2024, 2,526 users in treatment, and 128 deaths from alcohol-related diseases in 2023, underscoring the social consequences and impact on health services.
The relationship between alcohol consumption and road accidents, as well as early initiation and excessive drinking among young people, were other topics debated. Surveys indicate that between 70% and 80% of 18-year-olds consumed alcohol in the previous 12 months, with many reporting episodes of binge drinking and severe intoxication.
The congress also covered public policies, risk reduction, clinical approaches, and social vulnerabilities, with sessions on innovation in alcohol studies, alcohol use disorder, new therapeutic approaches, and the link between neurocognition and recovery.
The event, which also marked the 40th anniversary of the Sociedade Portuguesa de Alcoologia, aimed to contribute to reflection on more integrated intervention strategies tailored to community needs.
