by EH
Local police in Trieste joined forces with regional health officials on Friday to mark the beginning of Alcohol Awareness Month, participating in a public outreach event aimed at educating citizens about the risks of alcohol consumption and promoting safer behavior, particularly on the roads.
From 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., officers from the city’s Motor Unit and Commercial Police Unit staffed an information gazebo in Largo Bonifacio. There, they demonstrated breathalyzers, pre-test tools, and impaired driving simulators. Members of the public were invited to try on special goggles that mimic the effects of alcohol on vision and coordination, and to navigate a driving simulator designed to recreate impaired conditions.
The initiative is part of a broader campaign organized by ASUGI, the regional health authority responsible for addiction and mental health services in Friuli Venezia Giulia. Throughout April, ASUGI and its partners—including nonprofit organizations and community groups—are hosting a series of events focused on prevention and public education around alcohol use.
“The municipal government is pleased to collaborate with ASUGI and the Local Police in raising awareness of the dangers associated with alcohol, especially when it comes to road safety,” a spokesperson for the City of Trieste said in a statement. “While the Local Police are already active in schools throughout the year, this event provides an opportunity to reach a wider audience, including adults.”
Health officials noted that alcohol remains a significant public health issue across Europe. It is estimated to be responsible for 4 percent of all deaths and 5 percent of years lost due to disability. In Italy, the combined social and healthcare costs of alcohol consumption are estimated at €25 billion annually.
Medical experts emphasize that alcohol has toxic and carcinogenic properties, can lead to behavioral changes, and may result in dependency. Even low levels of consumption have been linked to the development of chronic diseases and social challenges. In response, many European countries have adopted and promoted low-risk drinking guidelines, although experts continue to stress that no level of alcohol intake is completely risk-free.
Data from the 2022–2023 PASSI study, a national health surveillance program, will provide further insight into alcohol consumption trends in Friuli Venezia Giulia, officials said. Results are expected to inform future prevention strategies.
