Abstract

SALAZAR BERMUDEZ, Alejandro. The struggle for a multidisciplinary model of alcoholism in Mexico. Experts, definitions and institutional networks, 1950-1985. Inter disciplina [online]. 2021, vol.9, n.25, pp.257-283.  Epub Nov 22, 2021. ISSN 2448-5705.  https://doi.org/10.22201/ceiich.24485705e.2021.25.79976.

This article addresses transformation in the model by which alcoholism was understood and treated in Mexico in the second half of the 20th century. From a biological model close to the prohibition to a multifactorial model in which different specialists, not only medical disciplines, participated. This process began from 1950 when the World Health Organization (WHO) promoted the disease concept of alcoholism, and it was discussed in Mexican and Latin American academic circles and health institutions, even until the 1980s when the WHO had already withdrawn such proposal. I point out three main results, first, the relevance of epidemiological studies on alcoholism to understand addictions and, later, mental health in general. Second, the enrolment of specialists from social sciences (psychologists, social workers and sociologists) to mental health care and research institutions. Third, the transformation of care model promoted by entities such as the current National Institute of Psychiatry and the National Commission Against Addictions.

Keywords : alcoholism; mental health; social sciences; Jellinek; World Health Organization.

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