Alcohol Free Countries
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Alcoholism and alcohol abuse are increasing throughout the world. Does this mean that there are
no alcohol free countries? Surprisingly, there are a number of alcohol free countries.
Alcohol Free Countries: Russia
According to a law that took effect on July 1, 2006 Russia could become a country without alcohol by
September of 2006.
One of the fears of such legislation, however, could be that the Russian market share dominated by
counterfeiters could increase from approximately 50% to 90%.
In spite of the fact that Russia imports wine from 35 countries, poisoning from counterfeit alcohol kills more
than 40,000 people according to Russian authorities.
| More than two thirds of the U.S. funding for alcohol and drug treatment facilities
comes from public sources. |
Alcohol Free Countries: India
Some areas of India are dry. Examples include the State of Gujarat and Mizoram.
Alcohol Free Countries: Saudi Arabia and Kuwait
Both Saudi Arabia and Kuwait totally ban the ingestion, production, or importation of alcohol and imposes stern
forms of punishment on those who disregard the ban, including many weeks of incarceration and possible
whippings.
| In the United States, non-alcoholic members of alcoholic's families use 10 times as
much sick leave as families where alcohol is not a problem. 80% of these family members report
their ability to perform work is impaired as a result of living with an alcohol abuser. |
Alcohol Free Countries: Qatar
Qatar bans the importation of alcohol and has made it a punishable crime to be intoxicated or to drink in
public. Natives who violate the law may go to prison or may be deported.
Alcohol is accessible at licensed bars and hotel restaurants and expatriates living in the Qatar can get alcohol
on a permit basis.
Alcohol Free Countries: Pakistan
Since 1977, only non-Muslim groups such as Christians, Zoroastrians and
Hindus are permitted to apply for alcohol permits.
The monthly allotment usually depends on income but it is typically 100 bottles of beer or 5 bottles of
liquor. Enforced by Pakistan's Islamic Ideology Council, the ban is strictly enforced.
Members of religious minorities, however, frequently sell their liquor permits to Muslims and contributes to the
continuing black market trade in alcohol.
| In the U.S., the rate of alcohol involvement in fatal crashes is 61%, more than
three times as high at night. For all accidents, alcohol factors in 16% of nighttime accidents, vs.
3% for days. |
Alcohol Free Countries: Bangladesh
Similar to other Muslim countries, Bangladesh has also imposed prohibition. Interestingly, various
restaurants and hotels are authorized to sell alcohol to foreigners.
In addition, foreigners, but not locals, are authorized to import small amounts of alcohol for personal use.
Alcohol Free Countries: Libya
Libya completely bans the consumption, production, or importation of alcohol and imposes strict penalties on
offenders.
| The finding regarding the relationship between depression and alcoholism is
significant because many individuals, including health professionals, tend to view alcoholism and
depression as separate problems, when in fact, they are related to one another. |
Alcohol Free Countries: Morocco and Tunisia
Morocco and Tunisia have a selective ban on alcohol, meaning that alcohol can be sold and consumed in special
bars or zones for tourists only.
| The clinical assessment of current and past alcohol use and alcohol-related
disorders should be considered a routine part of all psychiatric or medical evaluations. |
Alcohol Free Countries: Sudan
Sudan has banned all alcohol consumption and imposes strict penalties on offenders.
Alcohol Free Countries: The Maldives
The Maldives ban the importation of alcohol but make alcoholic beverages available to foreign tourists on resort
islands with the understanding that the alcohol will not be taken off the resort.
| If a person continues to drink excessively after numerous or ongoing treatments,
their prognosis is very poor. Persistent heavy drinkers will often succumb to the effects of
alcohol. |
Alcohol Free Countries: Conclusion
As mentioned above, there are a number of alcohol free countries in the world. Although
many countries have either had prohibition at some time or discussed the possibility of prohibition, the alcohol
free countries listed above are the only countries that currently have a ban on the consumption, production, or
importation of alcohol.
| After detoxification, most alcoholics need some form of long-term support or
counseling to remain sober. Recovery programs focus on teaching a person with alcoholism about the
disease, and helping him or her to learn new coping strategies to deal with the stresses of
everyday life without turning to alcohol. Many patients benefit from self-help groups such as
Alcoholics Anonymous (AA). |
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