Alcohol consumption among Latinos on the rise

The World Day against Drug Abuse was recently commemorated and it is timely to recall the serious problem that illicit drugs represent for the entire population.

The use of fentanyl has spread throughout the country and has become a serious public health problem affecting many young people.

Alcohol consumption and alcohol-related deaths have increased, while the opioid crisis has worsened.

Dr. Sergio Aguilar-Gaxiola, founding director of the Center for the Reduction of Health Disparities, UC Davis, CA, discusses the impact of the pandemic.

He recalled that the pandemic saw a significant increase in alcohol and drug use, including fentanyl.

Dr. Sergio Aguilar Gaxiola, speaks about the culture of alcohol in our community and recalls that a study was done on the subject.

Dr. Sergio Aguilar-Gaxiola, Founding Director of the Center for the Reduction of Health Disparities, UC Davis refers that in the Latino community we do not talk about alcohol problems or mental health illnesses and in some cases they take refuge in alcohol and drug use.

Dr. Sergio Aguilar-Gaxiola recognizes that those who abuse alcohol often use other drugs.

Although there is investment to address alcohol and drug problems, it is not enough, as more attention is needed in the Latino community.
So if you know someone or you yourself have a problem with alcohol use or abuse seek help and remember you are not alone.

This despacho is made possible with the support of The Sierra Health Foundation.