Feb 26 β€’ 03:12 UTC πŸ‡΅πŸ‡± Poland Rzeczpospolita

Alcohol costs Poland billions. Local authorities say: enough

Alcohol consumption in Poland is estimated to cost the economy between 0.9% and 2.5% of GDP, raising alarm among local authorities.

According to the Center for Prevention of Addictions, the economic costs of alcohol consumption in Poland range from 0.9% to 2.5% of the country's GDP, indicating a financial burden that may exceed 100 billion zlotys by 2026. These figures highlight the significant economic implications of alcohol use in the nation, calling for urgent attention from policymakers at both local and national levels.

In addition to economic costs, the problem of alcohol consumption in Poland also entails substantial social costs, which are harder to quantify. These include issues related to domestic violence and traffic accidents that are exacerbated by alcohol consumption. Dr. BogusΕ‚awa Bukowska, director of the National Center for Prevention of Addictions, emphasizes the complexity of evaluating these costs precisely due to the multifaceted nature of the alcohol issue in society.

The growing financial and social toll has prompted local authorities to take a firmer stance on alcohol consumption, expressing their intent to tackle the issue more aggressively. With the recognition that alcohol-related problems are not only a personal concern but a broader societal challenge, local governments are beginning to push back against the pervasive cultural acceptance of drinking in Poland, marking a significant shift in public health strategy.

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