Campinas Region Sees 50.5% Surge in Alcoholism Treatments, Mid-Aged Adults Most Affected
Adults aged 35 to 59 accounted for the majority of alcohol-related mental and behavioral disorder treatments in the Campinas region of São Paulo, Brazil, in 2025, with nearly 1,700 cases recorded in this age group. The 40-44 age bracket saw the highest number of attendances at 390, followed by those aged 50-54 (356), 45-49 (348), 35-39 (323), and 55-59 (236). Overall, alcohol-related disorder treatments in the Campinas Regional Health Department (DRS) area increased by 50.5%, rising from 1,966 in 2024 to 2,959 in 2025. The first quarter of 2026 already registered 724 cases.
While middle-aged adults dominate the figures, younger and older demographics experienced the most significant proportional increases in treatments. Individuals aged 20-24 saw a 131% rise in cases (from 86 to 199), and those aged 70-74 experienced a 158% surge (from 31 to 80). Adolescents aged 15-19 had a 61% increase, and those aged 65-69 saw a 67% rise. Personal accounts from individuals who began drinking in adolescence highlight the long-term consequences, including family conflicts, health issues like hypertension and liver problems, and the transition from social drinking to dependency. Some individuals also reported progression to other drug use.
Psychologist Éverson Guimarães emphasizes the need to treat alcoholism as a public health issue and invest in prevention, raising awareness about the harms of alcohol consumption, particularly among youth. He notes that the impact extends beyond physical health, severely affecting family relationships and social bonds. Historical data shows fluctuations, with a dip in 2022 and 2023 before the recent surge.
The significant increase in alcohol-related disorder treatments in the Campinas region, particularly among adults aged 35-59, alongside sharp proportional rises in younger and older demographics, signals a complex public health challenge. This trend suggests potential systemic failures in early intervention and prevention strategies, possibly exacerbated by societal pressures or increased accessibility to alcohol. The reported early onset of drinking among individuals points to critical gaps in adolescent education and support systems. Future public health initiatives should focus on comprehensive, multi-generational prevention programs that address the root causes of substance abuse, including mental health support and social integration, to mitigate long-term health and social costs.
AI-generated to prompt reflection — not editorial opinion, not advice, not a statement of fact. How this works.