Author/Editor		Zupanič-Slavec, Zvonka
Title		Alkoholizem kot družbeni in zdravsteni problem od starih civilizacij do danes
Translated title		Alcoholism as a social and health problem from the ancient civilizations to the present
Type		članek
Source		In: Lipič FV. Osnovne značilnosti dipsobiostatike - zlorabe alkohola oziroma na podlagi zdravniškega opazovanja nastala politično-statistična predstavitev njenih posledic, ki se odražajo na prebivalstvu in življenjski dobi. Ljubljana: Založba ZRC, Znanstveno društvo za zgodovino zdravstvene kulture Slovenije,
Publication year		2005
Volume		str. 63-79
Language		slo
Abstract		Ever since times long past, alcohol has accompanied humankind, bringing both sunny and shadowy moments. The oldest and most celebrated form is wine, which throughout its legendary history has served as nourishment, medicine (anaesthetic), preventive means (bactericide), and above all as a stimulant and an intoxicating beverage. It was, indeed, the latter, which was advanced by the cultivation of wines and the maturing of wines in all cultures and civilizations, thus leading at the same time also to the abuse of wine. Alcoholism was not, actually, treated as a disease from the very start. For a long time, excessive drinking was regarded more as a moral, religious or juridical problem. Religious faiths introduced into everyday life diverse regulations; in the case of alcohol, Muslim, Buddhist and Hindu faiths prohibited its use. By contrast, among the Catholics, Protestants, Evangelists and Jews, wine was regarded as a ritual element with an important symbolic message. Although intoxication with wine did not, throughout history, lead to insurmountable difficulties, the use of strong spirits did introduce a different aspect to the image of alcohol dependence. The pre-industrial developed world, with the breakdown of the hitherto prevailing way of life, was drawn into an uncontrolled relation towards the use of the still new spirituous liquors - brandy, cognac, whisky, rum and other strong spirits. The cheapness, durability, and easy availability, combined with the drinkers' uncritical attitude towards them, led to true "epidemics" of alcoholism. Public anti-alcohol action began to spread throughout Europe, including the Slovene lands of the time. All this was happening just at the time when Dr. Lipič, the municipal doctor, was working in Ljubljana and pouring out his sad experiences with drinkers into a scientific study. (Abstract truncated at 2000 characters)
Descriptors		ALCOHOL DRINKING ALCOHOLISM SOCIAL PROBLEMS PUBLIC POLICY