Author/Editor		Zupanič-Slavec, Zvonka
Title		Alkoholizem kot družbeni in zdravstveni problem od starih civilizacij do danes
Translated title		Alcoholism as a social and health problem from ancient civilizations to the present
Type		članek
Source		Med Razgl
Vol. and No.		Letnik 49, št. 3
Publication year		2010
Volume		str. 325-32
Language		slo
Abstract		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 (anesthetic), preventive means (bactericide), and above all as a stimulant and an intoxicating beverage. It was, indeed, the latter that 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 ofwine. Alcoholism was not, actually, treated as a disease from the very start. For a long time, excessive drinking was regarded more as amoral, religious or juridical problem. In this paper, a record is given of the anti-alcohol struggle in Carniola in the 19th century. At the beginning of the 20th century, the movement was further joined by the Carniolan Doctors' Association, and, together with Slovenian anti-alcohol alliance, it continued to influence the regional government to adopt the appropriate legislation. In terms of per-capita consumption of a1cohol, Slovenia ranks ingloriously dose to the peak of the worldwide scale. This fact is also dosely supported by statistics on the health, social, family, economic, legal and other consequences which are incurred by alcoholics themse1ves. It is only through the enhancement of public awareness and education and through an appropriate public health policy that this menacing catastrophe can be forestalled.
Descriptors		ALCOHOLISM ALCOHOL DRINKING ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES WINE ALCOHOLIC INTOXICATION SOCIAL PROBLEMS PUBLIC HEALTH