Mexico City, Mexico, Dec 1, 2008 / 06:32 pm (CNA).- Archbishop Jose Luis Chavez Botello of Antequera-Oaxaca warned this week that alcoholism has become a social illness and urged Mexicans to combat the problem starting in the family.

In a press release, the archbishop pointed to a recent national poll on alcoholism among young people and children, which has been on the rise.

After noting the causes of the problem are many, the statement points out that “alcoholism is an illness that harms not only a person’s physical health but also his capacity to make decisions and his behavior by distorting reality. It is an illness that affects the mind and the will, and consequently, human relationships as well.”

“Faced with this serious public health problem that affects families in general and now more and more young people and children in particular, causing serious social harm, we cannot remain indifferent,” the archbishop said.  “We are all responsible for the future of children and young people; we all must be examples of responsibility regarding the consumption of alcohol,” he stated.

For this reason, he stressed, “the family plays a very important role in prevention and in the care of children and young people. What is the environment like inside the family? What is the example of the parents? How and with whom do the children and young people spend their free time? Who are the friends of their children? How are these problems discussed in the family?” the archbishop asked.

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