[Alcoholism as a social problem. The alcoholic patient in a permissive societies--possibilities for prevention]

While the permissive attitude of our society promotes the use of alcohol in a wide variety of ways, alcohol addiction is a social stigma. Addictive alcohol abuse often arises from an acquired habit of drinking to reduce conflict and tension. A social history may reveal the patient's weaknesses and his resources. It has been shown that alcoholics have inadequate capabilities (resources) for dealing with stressful situations. With respect to the prevention of alcohol misuse in our society, a new health awareness might help reduce an individual's "alcohol risk".