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76
Alcoholism and Drug Addiction
So far, there is no evidence that alcholism or drug addiction
is of any real moment in this Borough at present. However,
unquestionably, the problem is becoming increasingly serious
nationally and, as health authorities, we must be on our guard
locally.
Accurate statistics in respect of alcoholism and drug addiction
are difficult to come by but whatever figures are available they
indicate only the tip of the 'iceberg' because for every addict there
are at least two other persons implicated.
New-found social freedom has brought a startling increase in
drug addiction among the younger age groups (under the excuse
of 'I can do what I like with myself) ranging from addiction to
ordinary tranquillisers and stimulants to the 'harder' drugs of
heroin and cocaine, etc.
With regard to alcoholism perhaps the most difficult task is
to convince the public that it is a disease requiring medical treatment
and not a self-inflicted condition. Alcoholism is given as
the fourth major cause of premature death in the community and
the cost to the nation in general and to industry in particular, is
stupendous.
By and large, it can be said that restrictive legislation of the
kind introduced in America has failed and that concentration
upon the 'medical' aspects are likely to be more successful. The
problem bristles with difficulties but it is clear that further research
on the problem is essential, meanwhile education will have to
serve as the first line of defence.
Dental Caries—Fluoridation
Although perhaps not considered by the public as a serious
complaint, dental caries is, one might say, a disease of civilisation
in that modern diets have, to a large extent, contributed to the
disgraceful condition of our children's teeth.
Accumulated evidence suggests that of all teeth likely to suffer
from dental caries, 75% are attacked before the age of 15 years
and there is no need to labour the point that the addition of only
1 p.p.m. fluoride in the water supply would eliminate most of the
trouble.
As has been well said by Lord Cohen in respect of health
services generally, 'simply to ask for more money and so duplicate
existing staffs and facilities is not progress'.
On an individual basis, oral hygiene, regular dental supervision,
restriction of fermentable carbohydrates and provision of extra