Dear Editor,

British actor, Anthony Hopkins, is considered to be one of the most talented actors in the world today. Among his most important movies are: The Elephant Man, Bram Stoker’s Dracula, The Remains of the Day, Howards End, The Mask of Zorro, The World’s Fastest Indian, Hearts in Atlantis, as well as Nixon and Fracture. In 2003, Hopkins was awarded a star on Hollywood’s Walk of Fame.

The 73-year-old Hopkins admits that he would drink because he felt insecure. Now that he reflects about those days, he confesses that they actually represent a blessing for him. Thanks to those dark times, “I am now a stronger person,” he says. He further admits how lonely an alcoholic ends up feeling.

Alcoholism continues to be one of the darkest burdens of today’s youth. They usually begin drinking between the ages of 13 and 14. According to Alcoholic Anonymous, abusive alcohol consumption has led to addiction amidst new generations. Alcohol places first on the drug rank: 81.2 per cent of teenagers between the ages of 14 and 18 abuse alcohol.

Promoting alcohol is one of the most debated and polemic issues faced by advertising legislation. It is true that ad prohibitions are justified by policymakers in order to protect public health and security. They aim to prevent alcohol abuse through legislation.

Alcohol abuse generates more problems than do drugs. The Spanish Government has alocated more than 22 million to programmes against drugs and alcohol.

Advertising campaigns against alcohol consumption have also been launched with the following slogans: “Alcohol fills up empty spaces”; “Speak with your children, information is prevention”; “Drink moderately, it’s your responsibility”. These efforts are aimed at moderating abusive drinking behaviour and to raise awareness of reducing the abuse of alcoholic drinks.

Clemente Ferrer

Madrid, Spain

clementeferrer3@gmail.com