"There is no demand in Mexico. Because of our cultures, there is no addiction. Drugs are not consumed," assured Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador on Tuesday during one of his 'mañaneras' (morning briefings). The president reported on the progress of his new health policies and also brought up the report of an expert from his administration who presented the Mexican government's new plan to address the prevalence of drug use among young people.
"Even when they have tried to strengthen the market and domestic drug consumption, they have not succeeded. Because in Mexico there is a great reserve of moral, cultural and spiritual values. In the towns there are very good customs that we must preserve, instead of betting on a blind and misunderstood modernity, which goes against what is our great country," the leftist president went on to explain why, in his opinion, drugs are not consumed in Mexico.
Despite Obrador's words, it should be noted that while drug consumption is relatively low in Mexico, there is a high alcohol consumption with a notable and significant impact on society. According to data from the National Institute of Statistics and Geography (Inegi), reported by the Association of Friends of the Liver (AmHigo), there are 25,000 deaths per year linked to cirrhosis. According to the conclusions of AmHigo's studies, 58% of these deaths are due to high alcohol consumption, which represents 70 deaths per day and a serious public health problem in Mexico.
The plan presented by the AMLO Administration focuses on the prevention of addictions and drug use in the classroom. A study by the Mexican Ministry of Health showed how drug use has increased among minors, with marijuana leading the way. Cocaine use remained stable, with a low prevalence among young people. The Mexican states with the highest consumption were Jalisco, Quintana Roo and Baja California.
