Mental health nurse says Estonians treat alcohol as normal

Estonians often underestimate their regular alcohol consumption because drinking is seen as a normal part of everyday life and social events, mental health nurse Andra Õismaa told ERR programme Terevisioon.

Õismaa said people tend to downplay the glasses or bottles consumed alongside daily leisure activities. She said this was often unconscious, with people telling themselves they drink only a little while avoiding measuring the exact amount because they may already suspect it is unhealthy.

“Alcohol consumption is cultural for us. It is a legal intoxicant in society, with only limited restrictions,” Õismaa said, noting that alcohol is widely available and visible. She said it is therefore treated as a normal part of events and celebrations.

Õismaa described alcohol dependence as a serious condition. While addiction was once viewed mainly as a moral failing or a lack of willpower, it is now understood as a brain disease, she said.

“The brain simply starts working differently. It is not really a matter of pulling yourself together and either doing it or not doing it,” Õismaa said. She added that although the changes cannot be completely reversed, the processes can be stopped or slowed.

In her experience, people often raise alcohol-related problems while seeking help for other complaints. When someone wants to stop drinking, she said, it is important to examine what they consume, how much and for how long, as well as what situations are connected with drinking.

These triggers may include drinking with lunch, while preparing food, or in response to anxiety or conflict. Õismaa said simple habits could also play a role, such as opening the refrigerator and wanting to take something out, or seeing a large alcohol display in a shop.